Optical connector

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an optical connector for coupling with a complementary optical connector and for supporting an optical component. The connector comprises a cover moveable between a first and second position. The cover may also comprise a moveable shield and biasing components. There is also provided an optical connector assembly comprising covers that sequentially open. A PCB comprising waveguides and an optical component sub-mount for integrating with the PCB is also presented.

The present invention is in the field of connectors and in particularoptical connectors used for mating together single or arrays of opticalfibres.

Optical fibres are commonly used as a data transmission media betweenend to end communication terminals and between devices operative totransmit and/or receive optical signals. Devices can often be providedwith an input and/or output optical fibre or set of fibres terminatingin a ferrule. Typical ferrules can have either male or female connectionfeatures for mating to a complementary ferrule carrying another fibre ofset of fibres. Once the ferrules are mated, the fibres of each ferruleadjoin, typically by butt coupling, to provide optical communicationfrom one device to another device.

Various types of ferrules exist and can be categorised in a variety ofways including the fitting mechanism to other ferrules. Fittingmechanisms include screw fittings, bayonet fitting and snap fittings. Anexample of a snap fitting ferrule is an optical Mechanical Transfer (MT)Ferrule. Optical MT ferrules are commonly used in the data communicationindustry because they are cheap to manufacture and provide a simpleconnection that can be easily used by field engineers and implemented bymanufacturing processes.

Optical MT Ferrules are typically small and often only couple togetherwith other MT ferrules using a set of guiding pins in one ferrule andcorresponding holes in the other ferrule, allowing the ferrules to bepulled apart and put together freely,

In systems requiring consistent optical connection between devices withan optical output/input, it is desirable to establish locked opticalconnections between fibres where MT ferrules are used as terminals.Optical connectors are known that act to carry and house a single MTferrule and provide a connector engaging mechanism which locks theconnector to other complementary connectors carrying complementary MTferrules.

Some optical connectors are known to include a moveable dust cover atthe end (connecting) facet of the connector. Such covers act to stopdust and other unwanted particles entering the connectors and residingupon the ferrule, degrading optical performance. Upon engagement withanother connector, such existing covers are forced inwards into theirown connector, where the nominally outer facing surface of the coverends up facing towards the ferrule that the connector is carrying.

When devices with optical connectors are integrated into larger systems,such as data storage solutions, they are often located on mountingsupports such as printed circuit boards (PCB's). Connectors carryingoptical fibres are often rigidly affixed by screwing the connector ontothe PCB.

The present invention relates to optical connectors. The featuresdescribed in any of the first, second, third and fourth aspects areintended, where technically compatible, to correspond to similarfeatures in any of the other said aspects unless otherwise specified.

The present inventors have discovered that existing connector dustcovers in an open position (where the nominal outer surface thatcollects dust and other particulates faces the optical fibre ferrule)can undesirably deposit dust upon the ferrule within the connector. Thisphenomenon typically results from the dust collected on the outersurface of the cover falling upon the ferrule as the cover is moved froma closed (protective) position to an open position as the ferrules aremated together. When engaging with another connector, existing dustcovers are often mechanically forced to pivot or swing inwardly insidethe connector exposing the ferrule to the dirty outer surface. Thiscover movement, combined with the general physical movement of theconnection, agitates the dust off the cover onto the end facets of thefibres causing optical signal degradation at the optical couplinginterface when optical components from engaged connectors are opticallyconnected.

According to a first aspect there is provided:

An optical connector, suitable for: coupling with a complementaryconnector along a direction of connector engagement; and, supporting afirst optical component; the connector comprising a first covercomprising an outer surface; wherein the first cover is configured: in afirst position: to reside at least partially in-front of the firstoptical component along a direction parallel to the direction ofconnector engagement; and, to provide at least a component of the outersurface normal, that is parallel to the direction of connectorengagement; to be movable to a second position wherein the said outersurface of the first cover continually faces away from the first opticalcomponent upon movement between the first and second positions.

By having the outer surface of the cover continually facing away fromthe optical component as the cover moves from a closed to an openposition, any dust that has accumulated upon the said outer surfaceportion will not fall directly upon the optical component as the covermoves.

In this first aspect there may be provided, in any suitable combination,the following further features, where it is to be understood that thefollowing further features of the first aspect may also be combined,where suitable, to an optical connector of any of the second, third andfourth aspects.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover atleast partially obscures the first optical component along the directionof connector engagement when in the first cover position.

This configuration provides the optical component with some ‘frontfacing’ protection to the external environment. This is particularlyadvantageous when the optical component behind the cover has a frontfacing optical coupling facet.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first covercomprises an inner surface and is configured in the first position toprovide: the outer surface at least partially facing towards thedirection of connector engagement; and, the inner surface at leastpartially facing the first optical component.

The optical connector may be configured such that the optical connectorcomprises an optical communication path towards the complementaryconnector. The optical communication path from the connector may be adirect path from the optical component propagating outwardly from theconnector, or may by an indirect path where the optical path from theoptical component passes through, or is reflected off, a further opticalcomponent housed in the connector such as a lens or a mirror.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover isconfigured in the first position to at least partially incline towardsthe optical communication path.

The optical connector may be configured such that the connector furthercomprises a first shield moveable between a respective first positionand a respective second position; whereby the shield, in its firstposition, is configured to be disposed in the path of opticalcommunication.

The optical connector may be configured such that the shield, in itsfirst position, is configured to be disposed between the first opticalcomponent and the first cover when the first cover is in its respectivefirst position.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover andfirst shield are configured to be mechanically urged from theirrespective first positions towards their respective second positions asthe optical connector and complementary connector are urged intocoupling engagement.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first shield isconfigured to move from the first shield position towards the secondshield position after the first cover moves from is first positiontowards its second position, as the optical connector and complementaryconnector are urged into coupling engagement.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover atleast partially obscures the first optical component along the opticalcommunication path. This allows the cover to help protect the facet ofthe optical component as well as providing some protection to a user byblocking light exiting an unconnected connector.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover atleast partially obscures the first optical component along the directionof connector engagement when in the first position.

By having the cover at least partially obscure the optical component, itacts to block the movement of unwanted contaminating material towardsthe optical component. For example, the first position may be a closedposition wherein the cover is inclined towards the direction of opticalcommunication and/or connector coupling.

The optical connector may further be configured such that the first andsecond positions of the first cover are first and second end positions.An end position being a position where the cover cannot move any furtheralong the same movement path it took to get to that position.

The optical connector may be configured such that: the direction ofconnector engagement is along an axis of optical connector engagement;the first cover is configured to be mechanically urged towards thesecond position in an opening direction substantially perpendicular fromthe axis of optical connector engagement. The axis of optical connectorengagement is the longitudinal axis that both connectors must align uponto correctly engage with each other. If the cover opens perpendicularlyaway from this axis then it allows the creation of an opening.Furthermore, if the cover is inclined forwardly towards this axis thenthe outer surface of the cover faces away from the optical component asit opens.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover isconfigured in its second position to create an opening sized toaccommodate at least the first optical component. The second positiontherefore allows the first optical component to protrude and opticallycommunicate through the opening.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover isconfigured in its second position to create an opening sized toaccommodate at least part of the complementary optical connector. Aconnector configured to provide this opening allows the complementaryconnector to be at least partially inserted into the connector, thusproviding a peripherally enclosed environment where the opticalcomponents of each connector may couple. Preferably this opening issized to accommodate one or more covers and the optical component of thecomplementary connector.

The optical connector may comprise a second cover configured to bemoveable between a respective first and second position, wherein eachcover is configured to be urged substantially apart from thecorresponding cover as each cover is mechanically urged from itsrespective first position to second position. Preferably the secondcover is disposed symmetrically opposite the first cover about the axisof optical connector engagement and opens from first to second positionin a substantially opposite manner.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first and secondcovers are together configured in their respective second positions tocreate an opening sized to accommodate at least the first opticalcomponent.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first and secondcovers are together configured in their respective second positions tocreate an opening sized to accommodate at least part of thecomplementary optical connector,

The optical connector may be configured such that each coversubstantially converges towards the other cover; each cover furthercomprising a forwardly terminating lip outwardly turned away from theother cover. Having such a lip disposed at the point where the first andsecond covers (of the same connector) substantially converge allows anexternal component to contact the lips and push the covers outwardlyaway from each other.

The optical connector may be configured such that the optical connectoris configured to move the first optical component to contact and urgeany of the first cover and a second cover from a respective firstposition to a second position as the first and second optical connectorsare urged into mechanical engagement. In this configuration the movementof the optical component forwardly within the connector acts to pushapart the covers.

The optical connector may be configured such that the optical connectoris configured to move the optical component through an opening.

The optical connector may be configured such that each cover comprises aresiliently biased sheet configured to move from the first position tothe second position via a pivot. The sheet may therefore flex about oneor more pivots, for example a pivot line. The sheet may extend beyondthe cover such that the pivot is a fold line along the sheet wherein atleast a portion of the sheet distal from the cover of the other side ofthe fold line, may be used to secure the sheet, hence the cover, to theconnector.

According to a second aspect there is provided:

An optical connector suitable for: coupling with a complementaryconnector along a direction of connector engagement; and, supporting afirst optical component; the connector comprising: an opticalcommunication path towards the complementary connector; a first covermoveable between a respective first position and a second position andcomprising an outer surface; wherein the first cover is configured inthe first position: to reside at least partially in-front of the firstoptical component along a direction parallel to the direction ofconnector engagement; and, to provide at least a component of the outersurface normal, that is parallel to the direction of connectorengagement; a first shield moveable between a respective first positionand a second position; whereby the first shield, in its first position,is configured to be disposed in the path of optical communication.

Having a shield as well as a cover provides an extra degree of safety tothe connector. If the cover, in its first position, does not properlyclose or otherwise does not obscure the optical path exiting theconnector, then unwanted stray light may exit the connector, possiblycausing eye injury or damage. A separate shield that is configured toblock this light independently of the cover alleviates this problem.Preferably the shield is disposed internally within the connector withrespect to the cover such that if the cover is accidentally prisedapart, the optical output is still obscured.

Furthermore, in this second aspect there may be provided, in anysuitable combination, the following further features, where it is to beunderstood that the following further features of the second aspect mayalso be combined, where suitable, to an optical connector as describedin any of the first, third and fourth aspects.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first shield, inits first position, is configured to be disposed between the firstoptical component and the first cover when the first cover is in thefirst position.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover andfirst shield are configured to be mechanically urged from theirrespective first positions towards their respective second positions asthe optical connector and complementary connector are urged intocoupling engagement. This provides the connector with two independentprotection features that may be automatically opened when the connectorsare engaged so no other user input is required to move either the coveror the shield.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first shield isconfigured to move from its first position towards its second positionafter the first cover moves from its first position towards its secondposition as the optical connector and complementary connector are urgedinto coupling engagement. This allows the shield to continually blockthe optical path out of the connector as the connector covers aremanoeuvred out of the first position to allow for connector engagement.As the connectors start to engage and the optical components come intocoupling alignment, the possibility of light escaping from theconnectors decreases or ceases due to part of one connector beinginserted into the complementary connector and/or the complementaryoptical component obscuring the optical path. Once this engagementbegins, the shield can move to let the optical components opticallycommunicate without risking light escaping the combined connectorassembly.

The optical connector may be configured wherein the first shieldcomprises: a first shield portion comprising an outer shield surface,the first shield portion configured in the first position: to reside atleast partially in-front of the first optical component along adirection parallel to the direction of connector engagement; and, toprovide at least a component of the outer shield surface normal, that isparallel to the direction of connector engagement; and, a second shieldportion configured in the first position to be disposed in the path ofoptical communication. This puts the shield in front of the opticalcomponent in a similar configuration as the corresponding cover.

The optical connector may be configured such that the outer shieldsurface of the first shield portion lies substantially adjacent to aninner surface of the first cover when both first shield and first coverare in respective first positions. This allows the shield and cover tobe housed in a compact space about the connector, reducing the overallconnector size.

The optical connector may be configured such that the second shieldportion is folded back from the first shield portion substantiallytowards the first optical component. The second shield portion maytherefore be simply pushed outwardly as an external component enters theconnector and moves toward the optical component. Such an externalcomponent could be part of the complementary connector and/or theassociated optical component of the complementary connector.

The optical connector may comprise a second shield configured to movefrom a respective first position to a second position, whereby thesecond shield, in the first position, is configured to contact andsupport the second shield portion of the first shield in the firstposition.

According to a third aspect there is provided:

An optical connection assembly comprising: a first optical connector:comprising a first cover, and, suitable for supporting a first opticalcomponent; a second optical connector: comprising a first cover; and,configured to mechanically engage with the first optical connector alonga direction of connector engagement, and, suitable for supporting asecond optical component; the system being configured such that thefirst covers of the first and second optical connectors cover aremechanically urged sequentially from a respective first position to arespective second position as the first and second optical connectorsare urged into mechanical engagement.

A connector assembly that sequentially opens the covers of the engagingconnectors can allow one connector to initially engage with the otherconnector (possibly entering the other connector and/or being surroundedby a protective housing of the other connector) before opening its owncovers. This allows the connector to provide a degree of protection fromthe outer environment before opening its own covers.

Furthermore, in this third aspect there may be provided, in any suitablecombination, the following further features, where it is to beunderstood that the following further features of the third aspect mayalso be combined, where suitable, to an optical connector of any of thefirst, second and fourth aspects.

The assembly may be configured such that any one or more of the firstcovers are configured to be mechanically urged towards the respectivesecond positions in an opening direction substantially perpendicularfrom an axis of optical connector engagement.

The assembly may be configured to allow for optical communicationbetween the first and second optical components when both the firstcovers are in the respective second positions.

The assembly may be configured to prevent optical communication betweenthe first and second optical components when any of the first covers arein the respective first positions.

The assembly may be configured initially to move the first cover of thesecond optical connector to its respective second position before thefirst cover of the first optical connector is subsequently mechanicallyurged towards its respective second position.

The assembly may be configured such that the first optical connectorcomprises a second cover configured to be moveable between a respectivefirst and second position, wherein each of the first and second coversare configured to be urged substantially apart from the correspondingcover as each cover is mechanically urged from its respective firstposition to second position.

The assembly may be configured such that the second optical connectorfurther comprises a second cover configured to be moveable between arespective first and second position, wherein each of the first andsecond covers are configured to be urged substantially apart from thecorresponding cover as each cover is mechanically urged from itsrespective first position to second position.

The assembly may be configured such that any one or more of the first orsecond covers of the second optical connector substantially convergestowards the corresponding cover in a the direction of connectorengagement; each cover comprising a forwardly terminating lip outwardlyturned away from the other cover. Such a lip allows for the opposingconnector to contact and urge apart the covers on the current connectorby allowing an engaging portion on the opposing connector to insertbetween the lips.

The assembly may be configured such that any one or more of the firstcover or second cover of the second optical connector is configured inits second position to create a primary opening sized to accommodate atleast: a portion of the first cover and/or second cover of the firstoptical connector in its first position; and, the first opticalcomponent.

The assembly may be configured such that any one or more of the first orsecond covers of the first optical connector is configured in its secondposition to create a secondary opening sized to accommodate at least thefirst optical component.

The assembly may be configured such that: an engaging portion of thefirst optical connector is configured to urge the first cover and/orsecond cover of the second optical connector from its first position tothe second position; and, the first optical connector is configured tomove the first optical component to contact and urge the first coverand/or second cover of the first optical connector from its firstposition to its second position; as the first and second opticalconnectors are urged into mechanical engagement.

The assembly may be configured such that the first optical connector isconfigured to move the first optical component through the secondaryopening.

The assembly may be configured such that any one or more of the coverscomprises an outer surface, and is configured in its respective firstposition: to reside at least partially in-front of its correspondingoptical component along a direction parallel to the direction ofconnector engagement; and, to provide at least a component of the outersurface normal, that is parallel to the direction of connectorengagement.

The assembly may be configured such that the outer surface of any one ormore of the covers is configured to continually face away from theoptical component of its associated optical connector as the cover ismoved between said first and second positions.

The assembly may be configured such that; in the first position: any oneor more of the covers is forwardly inclined towards the direction ofconnector engagement; and, the outer surface of the said cover at leastpartially faces towards the said direction.

The assembly may be configured such that: the first optical connectorcomprises a first alignment component; the second optical connectorcomprises a second alignment component complementary to the firstalignment component; the first and second alignment components beingconfigured to cooperatively guide the first optical connector intoalignment with the second optical connector as the first and secondoptical connectors are urged into mechanical engagement.

The assembly may be configured such that the: first alignment componentcomprises at least one narrowing tapered portion substantiallyconverging towards the direction of connector engagement; and, thesecond alignment component comprises at least one funnelling taperedportion substantially diverging outwardly in the direction of connectorengagement. The first alignment component may be configured to enter theprimary opening of the second optical connector.

The assembly may be configured such that the said tapered portions areparallel to the opening direction.

The assembly may be configured such that the first optical connectorcomprises: a first biasing component configured to resiliently bias thefirst optical component away from the first cover and/or second cover ofthe first optical connector; and, a second biasing component comprisinga biasing strength greater than the first biasing component; andconfigured in use to resiliently bias any one of: the optical componentsor, first and/or second covers of the first optical connector, towardthe other, as the first optical connector is urged into mechanicalengagement with the second optical connector.

The assembly may be configured such that: the first optical connectorfurther comprises a biasing reference portion; wherein: both the firstoptical component and first cover of the first optical connector aremoveable relative to the biasing reference portion; the second biasingcomponent is coupled to the biasing reference portion.

The assembly may be configured such that: the first optical connectorbeing configured to: engage with the second optical connectorsubstantially along an axis of connection; and, allow any one of the:first optical component; or, first and/or second cover of the firstoptical connector; to move towards the other, substantially along theaxis of connection as the first optical connector contacts and urgestowards the second optical connector; the first and second biasingcomponents are configured to provide bias force substantially along theaxis of connection.

The assembly may be configured such that the first optical connectorcomprises a connector component configured to support the first opticalcomponent. The connector component may be an optical mount.

The assembly may be configured such that: the first biasing component iscoupled between the first and/or second cover and the connectorcomponent; and, the second biasing component is coupled between thebiasing reference portion and the connector component.

The assembly may be configured such that: the first biasing component isbiased to push the first and/or second cover away from the connectorcomponent; the second biasing component is biased to push the connectorcomponent away from the biasing reference portion.

The assembly may be configured such that one of the first or secondconnectors comprises a housing, the housing configured, upon mechanicalengagement of the first and second connectors, to at least partiallysurround the covers associated with the other optical connector beforeany of the said covers are urged from the respective first positionstowards the respective second positions. This provides a degree ofprotection to the optical components from the outer environment becausethe covers only open once the housing surrounds the complementaryconnector.

The assembly may be configured such that the first optical connectorcomprises the said housing.

The assembly may comprise a first and second optical component.

The assembly may be configured such that any one or more of the first orsecond optical components comprises an optical ferrule.

The assembly may be configured wherein the optical ferrule is an MTferrule.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided:

An optical connector suitable for: supporting a first optical component;and, mechanically engaging with a complementary optical connector whensaid connectors are contacted and urged towards each other; the opticalconnector comprising: a first connector component; a first biasingcomponent configured to resiliently bias the first optical componentaway from the first connector component; and, a second biasingcomponent, comprising a biasing strength greater than the first biasingcomponent; and configured in use to resiliently bias any one of thefirst optical component or first connector component towards the othercomponent as the connector is urged into mechanical engagement with thecomplementary connector.

This provides a mechanism for having a first component (such as a frontengaging component) that is nominally biased away and separated from theoptical component when the connector is in an unengaged configuration.If however the optical component and the first connector component arefree to move about the connector and one is pushed towards the other(for example the first connector component is pushed backward into theconnector towards the optical component as the connectors engage) thesecond biasing component ensures that in the engaged configuration, theoptical component and first connector component are urged towards eachother. The optical component may be supported by an optical mount,wherein the biasing components may provide bias force to the opticalmount (and hence also the optical component).

For example, the first connector component may comprise one or morecovers and may be pushed inwardly upon engagement with the complementaryconnector. The first biasing component in turn acts push the opticalcomponent backwards away from the first connector component andcomplementary connector. The optical connector however is not forcedbackwards because the second biasing component provides a stronger forcein the opposite direction causing the optical component to enter thefirst connector component and force open the covers.

Other configuration may also be possible, for example the firstconnector component may be an electrical contact residing behind theoptical component, wherein an unengaged configuration, where no externalforces are applied to the said components, the optical component andcontact are kept separated by the first biasing component. Once theconnectors engage and an external force is applied to push the opticalcomponent backward towards the contact, the second biasing member actsto ensure the contact does not keep moving backwardly away from theoptical component via the action of first biasing member, thus ensuringupon engagement that the optical component touches the contact.

Furthermore, in this fourth aspect there may be provided, in anysuitable combination, the following further features, where it is to beunderstood that the following further features of the fourth aspect mayalso be combined, where suitable, to an optical connector of any of thefirst, second and third aspects.

The optical connector may be configured such that: the optical connectorfurther comprises a biasing reference portion; wherein: both the firstoptical component and first connector component are moveable relative tothe biasing reference portion; the second biasing component is coupledto the biasing reference portion.

By having both optical component and first connector component moveableabout the connector and linked via the biasing components, the aboveadvantages upon engagement can be utilised when the external engagingcomponent of the complementary, connector requires, to be fully engagedwith the current connector, to push the corresponding engaging componentof the current connector further than the first biasing component cancompress.

The following example illustrates this advantage with reference to aparticular arrangement of connector features, however the principles canbe applied to any suitable arrangement of components in a connector asdescribed herein. In this example the connector is a plug connector andthe complementary connector is a receptacle connector. The plugconnector comprises: a front engaging component that is moveable aboutthe connector, possibly comprising one or more moveable covers; and anoptical component residing behind the front engaging component theopposite side of the front engaging component to where the complementaryconnector engages. The optical component may be carried by a secondconnector component such as an optical mount. The first biasingcomponent is connected between the front engaging component and theoptical connector (or second connector component). In this situation, asa complementary engaging component of the receptacle contacts the frontengaging component and urges the front engaging component backwardstowards the optical component, the first biasing component iscompressed. Once the first biasing component reaches its full extent ofcompression, the optical component and front engaging component arebrought together, which may be in contact or in proximity such that thesaid components of the connector may functionally interact. At thispoint, the second biasing component may then further compress to allowthe complementary engaging component to continually move along itsengaging path until it is stopped, for example by a stop or an alignmentfeature on the connector, or by the full compression of the secondbiasing component. The second biasing component may also have compressedto an extent as the first biasing component was compressing. Typicallythe second biasing component is connected between the back of theoptical component (and/or second connector component) and a biasingreference portion. The biasing reference portion is typically in a rigidfixed positional relationship with respect to the connector and istypically situated the opposite side of the optical component from thefirst biasing component. The biasing components typically comprise oneor more springs, but may be any suitable biasing component. Once thefirst biasing component is compressed it remains compressed (i.e. theoptical component and/or second connector component are kept‘functionally’ together) as the complementary engaging component urgesforward pushing the front engaging component backwards. This is due tothe second biasing component comprises a greater biasing strength thanthe first biasing component.

In this manner the second biasing component can provide an extra degreeof freedom of movement along the same axis as the first biasingcomponent to accommodate different connector designs, yet continuallykeep the front engaging component and optical component in functionalcontact or close proximity by keeping the first biasing componentcontinually compressed.

The optical connector may be configured such that: the optical connectoris configured to: engage with the complementary optical connectorsubstantially along an axis of connection; and, allow any one of thefirst optical component or first connector component to move towards theother component substantially along the axis of connection as theoptical connector contacts and urges towards the complementary opticalconnector; the first and second biasing components are configured toprovide bias force substantially along the axis of connection.

The optical connector may be configured such that; the first biasingcomponent is configured to communicate bias force between the firstoptical component and the first connector component; the second biasingcomponent is configured to communicate bias force between the biasingreference portion and the first optical component.

The optical connector may comprise a second connector componentconfigured to support the first optical component.

The optical connector may be configured such that: the first biasingcomponent is coupled between the first connector component and thesecond connector component; and, the second biasing component is coupledbetween the biasing reference portion and the second connectorcomponent.

The optical connector may be configured such that: the first biasingcomponent is biased to push the first connector component away from thesecond connector component; the second biasing component is biased topush the second connector component away from the biasing referenceportion.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first connectorcomponent comprises a first cover configured to be mechanically urgedsequentially from a respective first position to a respective secondposition as the optical connectors are urged into mechanical engagement.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first cover isconfigured in its second position to create an opening sized toaccommodate at least the first optical component.

The optical connector may be configured to move the first opticalcomponent to contact and urge the first cover from the first position tothe second position as the optical connectors are urged into mechanicalengagement.

The optical connector may be configured to move the first opticalcomponent through the opening.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first covercomprises an outer surface configured to continually face away from thefirst optical component as it moves between said first and secondpositions,

The optical connector may comprise a second cover configured to bemoveable between a respective first and second position, wherein eachcover is configured to be urged substantially apart from thecorresponding cover as each cover is mechanically urged from itsrespective first position to second position.

The optical connector may be configured such that: the connectorcomprises a first alignment component that is: moveable relative to thebiasing reference portion; configured in use to contact a stop (possiblyon a complementary alignment component) on the complementary connectoras the connector is urged into mechanical engagement with thecomplementary connector; rigidly disposed in a fixed arrangement withthe first connector component; the second biasing component beingconfigured in use to urge the first optical component towards the firstconnector component once the alignment component contacts the stop.

The optical connector may be configured such that the stop forms atleast part of a second alignment component on the complementaryconnector; the first and second alignment components being configured tocooperatively guide the optical connector into alignment with thecomplementary optical connector as the said optical connectors are urgedinto mechanical engagement.

The optical connector may be configured such that the: first alignmentcomponent comprises at least one narrowing tapered portion substantiallyconverging towards the direction of connector engagement.

The optical connector may be configured such that the said taperedportions are parallel to the opening direction.

The optical connector may comprise a housing, the housing configured,upon mechanical engagement of the connectors, to at least partiallysurround the complementary optical connector before the first cover isurged from the first to the second position.

The optical connector may comprise a first optical component.

The optical connector may be configured such that the first opticalcomponent comprises an optical ferrule.

The optical connector may be configured such that the optical ferrule isan MT ferrule.

The present inventors have found that external optical assemblies havedifficulty coupling to optical waveguides internally incorporated withina layer within a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

A PCB board may comprise one or more supporting/protective outer layerssurrounding and overlaying the waveguide layer. There may also befurther internal cladding layers surround the waveguide. For purposes ofthis discussion the alignment axis in the plane of the PCB shall betermed ‘horizontal’ and the corresponding axis perpendicularly runningthrough the plane of the PCB shall be termed as ‘vertical’.

The PCB surfaces available to the external optical assembly tomechanically contact and align upon are therefore normally one of theouter surfaces of the PCB supporting layers. These ‘available’ surfacesdo not directly correspond to the vertical waveguide alignment level.Variations in manufacturing processes may yield different thicknesses ofany one or more of the layers between the outer mechanical contactsurface and the PCB waveguide. Each variation in PCB layer thicknesscontributes to increased probability of alignment errors when using thecontact surface as an alignment reference point.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided:

A printed circuit board, PCB, suitable for supporting and opticallycoupling to an external optical assembly, the PCB comprising: a firstouter support layer; an optical layer comprising: a first planarcladding surface substantially parallel with and facing towards thefirst outer support layer; a cladding material comprising an opticalwaveguide bordering the first planar cladding surface; a first recessconfigured to extend through the first outer support layer, opticalwaveguide, and at least partially through the optical layer; a secondrecess configured to extend through the first outer support layer andexpose a portion of the first planar cladding surface.

By exposing a portion of a surface of the optical layer and having thecross section of the optical waveguide border the cladding surface, anexternal optical assembly may mechanically contact the exposed portionof the said cladding surface and use that contact level as a verticalalignment reference that directly corresponds to a cross sectionalextremity of the waveguide. This allows for direct correlation betweenthe vertical level at which the external optical assembly contacts thecladding and the vertical level of the waveguide, which in turn providesincreased accuracy in vertical optical alignment between the PCB opticalwaveguide and the external optical assembly. Manufacturing and assemblyyields may therefore be improved.

An external optical assembly may comprise, but is not limited to, anoptical component (either singular or an array of optical components) oran optical component mounted upon or otherwise supported or accommodatedby one or more further devices or components such as an alignment plugor a sub-mount. The optical component may comprise an optical ferrule,for example an optical MT ferrule.

Furthermore, in this fifth aspect there may be provided in any suitablecombination the following:

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the opticalwaveguide: substantially extends longitudinally in the plane of theoptical layer; extends into the optical layer from the first planarcladding surface.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the first outersupport layer comprises an outer planar surface.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the second recessis configured to border or overlap the first recess in the plane of thePCB.

This configuration forms a combined or composite recess wherein theportion of the composite recess that extends at least partially throughthe cladding and waveguide is the first portion of the composite recess,corresponding to the first recess. A further portion of the compositerecess adjoining the said first portion acts as the alignment referencesurface. An external optical assembly may therefore at least partiallysit upon or otherwise contact the exposed portion of the first planarcladding surface and extend laterally into or over the part of the firstrecess that extends through the cladding layer. This composite recesstherefore provides the possibility of having the external opticalassembly fully accommodated within the composite recess, allowing for amore compact PCB/external assembly arrangement without parts of theexternal optical assembly protruding proud of the outer planar surfaceof the first outer support layer.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the exposedportion provides a reference surface for alignment of the opticalwaveguide and external optical assembly perpendicular to the plane ofthe PCB.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the first recessis configured to accommodate at least part of the external opticalassembly.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the first outersupport layer comprises an inner planar surface bordering the firstplanar cladding surface.

By having the first and second recesses extend through a single outerprotective layer, the PCB is not only simpler to manufacture, but alsoallows for an improved combined PCB/external optical assemblyarrangement. The external optical assembly may comprise an upper portionconfigured to sit perpendicularly proud of the outer planar surface ofthe PCB and extend outwardly beyond the horizontal borders of the secondrecess (and optionally beyond the horizontal borders), and a downwardlyextending portion configured in use to reside within the second andfirst recesses that contacts the exposed cladding surface. Because thereis only a single source of variability in the depth of the second recessby virtue of only having one layer between the cladding surface andouter planar surface, the outer surface of the PCB is more likely toalign flush with the under-surface of the upper portion of the plug,which in turn helps prevent contaminants entering the recess though gapsbetween said flush portions degrading optical coupling.

The printed circuit board may comprise a second outer support layercomprising an inner planar surface facing the optical layer and thefirst outer support layer.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the first andsecond outer support layers sandwich the optical layer.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the first recesscomprises a side wall extending through the cross section of thewaveguide creating a waveguide coupling facet.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the waveguidecoupling facet is substantially perpendicular: to the plane of the PCB;and, to the longitudinal direction of the waveguide at the couplingfacet.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that at least a portionof the sidewall extends: substantially perpendicular to the plane of thePCB; and, through the optical waveguide.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the side wallcomprises at least a ledge portion extending along a border between thefirst and second recesses and through the optical waveguide.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the first recessextends through the printed circuit board.

By having a composite recess formed from the second recess overlappingthe first recess whilst the first recess extends through the PCB, thecompose recess allows for an accurate vertical reference alignmentsurface within the composite recess together with an opening at theunderside on the PCB that allows access to components residing with thecomposite recess from the underside of the PCB. Such access may be used,for example, to interrogate or assess the optical coupling of the PCBwaveguide to an external optical assembly, to affix components residingat least partially within the composite recess to other components.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that a longitudinalperipheral edge of the optical waveguide is coincident with the firstplanar cladding surface.

The printed circuit board may be configured such that the opticalwaveguide comprises a graded index waveguide formed within the claddingmaterial.

The printed circuit board may comprise a plurality of opticalwaveguides, the first recess extending through the said plurality ofwaveguides.

Often, one or more optical components are mounted upon, a sub-mount toform an optical sub-assembly. The sub-mount of the sub assemblytypically provides means, such as an alignment surface, to integrate thesub assembly to an external integration platform to form an integratedassembly. The platform may comprise a substantially planar board-likeconfiguration typically formed from one or more planar layers. Apreferred example of such a platform is a PCB, preferably a PCB asdescribed herein.

The external platform is typically larger than the sub assembly, forexample by having an in-plane width and/or breadth that is greater thanthe equivalent dimension of the sub-mount or sub assembly whenintegrated together. Other terminology may be used, including‘daughterboard’ for the sub-mount and ‘motherboard’ for the platform.

In some circumstances, the platform may comprise one or more integratedoptical components such as an optical waveguide. An integrated opticalwaveguide typical runs substantially longitudinal in the plane of theplatform and is typically surrounded in cross section by one or moreplatform layers.

When integrating an optical sub assembly with the PCB so that the one ormore platform optical components optically couples to the sub assemblyoptical component, a recess may be formed into the platform into whichat a portion of the sub-assembly is accommodated. Often, the subassembly and platform are bonded together using an adhesive material.The sub assembly and platform typically require a degree of activealignment before being securely bonded together. This type of opticalalignment typically involves transmitting one or more optical signalsfrom one of the platform or sub assembly optical components to thecorresponding optical component and monitoring, in real time, thestrength of the coupled signal as the assembling device or person ismoving the integrated components relative to each other.

The present inventors have found that introducing such adhesivematerials to the integrated assembly can be problematic during assembly.Adhesives can have different setting times upon application to thedesired area. Optical devices with small optical output beams, such ashigh index contrast waveguides, may require longer periods of alignmentin aligning to such smaller beam diameters. An adhesive that isintroduced into or around the recess before the sub mount is put intoposition may start to bond prematurely before the active alignment iscomplete and also cannot typically be monitored after the sub assemblyis put into position ready for active alignment. As the sub assembly ismanipulated to align the optical components, the adhesive may migrate orspread out into undesirable areas.

The present inventors have discovered that providing one or more throughholes into the sub-mount that, when the sub-mount is aligned withrespect to the platform, can allow an adhesive to be introduced from anexternally accessible through hole and flow through the through holecontacting the desired surface that require adhesion.

According to a sixth aspect there is provided:

An optical sub-mount suitable for: contacting a PCB comprising one ormore PCB recesses, said one or more recesses comprising a sidewallextending into a PCB outer layer; and, supporting an optical componentfor optically coupling to a further optical component supported by thePCB; the sub-mount comprising: a first surface, second surface and thirdsurface, the second surface angled in a different plane to the plane ofthe first surface, each of the first and second surfaces beingconfigured to at least partially face at least one surface of the PCBwhen the sub-mount contacts the PCB, wherein at least one of the saidPCB surfaces comprises the PCB sidewall; a through hole extending fromthe third surface through to the first and second surfaces.

As stated above, in principle, the PCB, in the sixth aspect, may be anyplatform, preferably comprising a substantially planar board-likeconfiguration typically formed from one or more planar layers.

By having the through-hole have an exit aperture that coincides withdifferent surfaces of the sub-mount, the adhesive that exits the throughhole may contact and bond different areas of the PCB to provide a moresecure, multifaceted, bond between the platform and the sub-mount. Thepresent inventors have found that different contact surfaces may havedifferent adhesion properties due to their formation, for example somesurfaces are polished whilst some are etched. Therefore, forming anadhesive bond that contacts a plurality of surfaces of the samecomponent may yield a more stable bond than a bond that just adheres toone.

Furthermore, in this sixth aspect there may be provided in any suitablecombination the following features.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that: the first surface isconfigured to at least partially face an outer facing surface of the PCBbordering the PCB recess sidewall when the sub mount contacts the PCB;the second surface is configured to extend into the PCB recess when thesub mount contacts the PCB.

By having the through-hole exit through sub-mount surfaces that face therecess wall and a bordering outer facing PCB surface, the sub-mount canbond to an outer recess ledge in a single adhesive bonding area thatmakes any required adhesive curing simpler to perform due to the singleproximal locality of the bond.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the first and secondsurfaces share a common exit aperture of the through-hole.

By having the through-hole exit through a common aperture, the sub-mountmay be formed more simply, the adhesive introduction is simplified andthe adhesive bonding area is further localised.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the through-hole issized to allow an adhesive material to flow through an aperture in thethird surface and out of the first and second surfaces.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the first surfaceborders the second surface.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that first surface issubstantially perpendicular to the second surface.

The optical sub-mount may comprise a plurality of through holesextending at least through the first and second surfaces.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the first surface,second surface and through hole form an adhesive fixing area, theoptical sub-mount comprising one or more further fixing areas eachassociated with corresponding further PCB recess sidewalls.

The optical sub-mount may comprise: a first body section comprising thefirst surface and configured to reside proud of the PCB outer layer; asecond body section comprising the second surface and configured toextend into the PCB recess.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub-mountcomprises a contact surface configured to contact a complementarycontact surface of the PCB.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub mount contactsurface is substantially parallel to the plane of the PCB when thesub-mount contacts the PCB.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the PCB recesscomprises the PCB contact surface, the second body comprises thesub-mount contact surface.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub-mount contactsurface faces directly away from the first body section.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub-mount contactsurface comprises a protrusion extending outwardly from a bottom surfaceof the second body section that faces directly away from the first bodysection.

The optical sub-mount may comprise a third body section extending intothe recess substantially in the facing direction of the of the sub-mountcontact surface.

The optical sub-mount may comprise a plurality of sub-mount contactsurfaces.

The optical sub-mount may comprise a sub-mount recess comprising a firstouter aperture sized to accommodate the sub-mount optical component;

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub-mount recessextends from the first outer aperture into the sub-mount substantiallyparallel to the plane of the PCB.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub-mount recessfurther comprises a second outer aperture at the opposite end of thesub-mount recess configured to allow an optical component residing inthe recess to optically communicate with the further optical componentsupported by the PCB.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the second outeraperture is sized to prevent the optical component from passing throughthe further aperture.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub-mountcomprises a first lateral contact surface opposite to the first outeraperture and substantially adjacent to the second outer aperture; thefirst lateral contact surface being configured to contact the opticalcomponent when the optical component is accommodated within thesub-mount recess.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the first lateralcontact surface comprises one or more sub-mount alignment recessesconfigured to accommodate an alignment feature extending from theoptical component. Such an alignment feature may be a guide pin.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the third body sectioncomprises a second lateral contact surface configured to contact afurther PCB recess sidewall when the sub-mount contacts the PCB.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the second lateralcontact surface is laterally offset from the first lateral contactsurface in a direction towards the first outer aperture.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the sub mount recesscomprises a sidewall substantially perpendicular to the first outeraperture; the sidewall comprising a raised portion for contacting theoptical component.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the raised portioncomprises a substantially flat surface parallel to the sub-mount recesssidewall.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the raised portionextends longitudinally along the sub-mount recess substantially from thefirst outer aperture to the second outer aperture.

The optical sub-mount may be configured such that the raised portion islocated substantially in the middle of the cross sectional width of therecess sidewall.

The PCB and optical sub-mount as previously described may be combined toform a combined integrated assembly wherein the external opticalassembly as described by the description of the PCB comprises theoptical sub-mount and optionally the sub-mount optical component.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided:

An integrated assembly comprising an optical sub-mount as previouslydescribed and a PCB as previously described.

In this seventh aspect there may be provided in any suitable combinationthe following features.

The integrated assembly may comprise an adhesive material contacting thePCB recess sidewall, the PCB outer surface, the first body, the secondbody and the sub-mount recess.

The integrated assembly may comprise a sub-mount optical component.

Preferably, the optical component supported by the PCB as described bythe sixth aspect corresponds to the ‘at least one waveguide’ describedin the fifth aspect.

Preferably, the first surface of the optical sub-mount is configured toface the first planar cladding surface of the PCB.

Preferably, the second surface of the optical sub-mount is configured toface a sidewall of the second recess.

Preferably, the exposed portion of the first planar cladding surfacecomprises the PCB contact surface.

Preferably, the second lateral contact surface of the optical sub-mountis configured to contact a sidewall of the first recess of the PCB.

In this configuration the planar cladding surface forms the bottom ofthe second PCB recess allowing the sub-mount to directly align to thevertical PCB waveguide level. Furthermore by having a bottom to the partof the PCB recess where the glue exits from the sub-mount through-hole,the invention allows for a first recess for housing different sizedsub-mounts whilst having an interim ledge used for alignment. The ledgealso helps prevent adhesive migrating from the adhesion areas andinterfering with the optical coupling area because when the sub-mount isin an approximate final alignment position, the under-surface of thesecond body of the sub-mount may lie substantially proximal to theexposed portion of the PCB first planar cladding layer.

Furthermore, when the first recess of the PCB is formed all the waythrough the PCB, this ledge formed by the first and second PCB recessesalso helps prevent adhesive falling all the way through the bottom ofthe first recess.

The integrated assembly may further comprise a socket disposed upon thePCB outer planar surface and at least partially covering a portion ofthe first PCB recess; the socket comprising: an elongated housingextending substantially perpendicularly away from the PCB outer planarsurface and comprising a first aperture sized to accommodate an opticalconnector and an opposing second aperture residing substantiallycoincident with the PCB outer planar layer and sized to allow a furtheroptical component to enter the socket through the PCB first recess.

The integrated assembly may be configured such that the further opticalcomponent is in optical communication with the optical component of thesub-mount.

The integrated assembly may be configured such that the opticalconnector comprises an optical connector as described in the presentinvention.

The integrated assembly may be configured such that the opticalconnector is configured to accommodate the further optical component.

The integrated assembly may be configured such that: the first recessextends through the printed circuit board; the assembly furthercomprising attachment means disposed on the opposing side of the PCB tothe PCB outer layer, the attachment means configured to secure thesocket to the PCB.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a-1 f show different views of two complementary connectors asdescribed herein, wherein FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show two solid perspectiveviews, FIGS. 1 c and 1 d show plan and side views with the internalcomponents of the connector being visible, FIG. 1 e shows a solidvertical section view through the two connectors and FIG. 1 f shows asolid side view wherein the right hand connector comprises alignmentflanges without an alignment spring.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show perspective views of a connector as describedherein, wherein FIG. 2 b shows the internal components of the connectoras visible.

FIGS. 3 a-3 d show some of the internal components of the connector inFIGS. 2 a/2 b, wherein FIGS. 3 c and 3 d show an optical ferrule beingaccommodated by an optical mount.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show perspective views of a connector as describedherein wherein, FIG. 4 a shows the internal components of the connectoras visible.

FIGS. 5 a-5 c show different perspective views of some of the internalcomponents of the connector of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b.

FIGS. 6 a-6 h show sequential views of the internal components of twocomplementary connectors engaging.

FIG. 7 shows a PCB and a sub-mount.

FIG. 7 b shows a schematic plan view of two overlapping recesses of thePCB.

FIGS. 8 a-8 c show different views of the sub-mount contacting the PCBof FIG. 7, to form an integrated assembly.

FIGS. 9 a-9 d show the integrated assembly of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b and asocket accommodating a connector, wherein FIG. 9 d shows two suchintegrated assemblies on the same PCB optically coupled using PCBwaveguides.

FIGS. 10 a-10 e show close-up views of the engaging connectors of FIGS.6 a-6 h.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a plug connector of the presentinvention where the optical component has been moved through a frontengaging component to open the covers of the connector.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view through the cross section of thehousing of a receptacle connector.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b shows a plan view of a plug connector being intoengagement within a slot in a PCB.

Optical connectors 2 are provided configured to accommodate one or moreoptical components 4 such as end connecting terminals for physicaltransmission media. For example, a connector 2 may accommodate any ofone or more: optical transmission cables and/or transmission fibres,and/or waveguides; optical or optoelectronic components with opticalinputs or outputs. The said one or more end terminals may comprise, butnot limited to, an MT ferrule.

Devices for coupling to and from PCB waveguides 212 are also presented.

The intended uses for the connectors 2 as described herein may include,but are not limited to, the provision of optical power, optical signals,data communication, telecommunication systems, computing devices andsystems.

An optical connector 2 is presented configured to accommodate an opticalfibre MT ferrule. For the purposes of the present description, referenceis made to an optical fibre or optical fibre array (single mode ormultimode or any combination thereof) terminated by an MT ferrule.However, the connector 2 described herein may, in principle, be used tohouse/connect any number or type of optical components 4.

An example of two complementary connectors 2 is shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 dexemplified in the form of a plug 3 and a receptacle 5. Each connector 2is arranged so as to be able to mechanically engage with anotherconnector 2 with complementary features that allow for mechanicalcoupling. Two such engaging connectors 2 adjoin substantially in adirection of connector engagement 6 shown in FIGS. 1 c and 1 d. Eachdirection of connector engagement 6 is along an axis of opticalconnector engagement 8 as shown in FIGS. 1 c and 1 d whereby the saiddirection of each respective connector 2 is pointing in the oppositedirection to the corresponding direction of the complementary connector2. Preferably this direction is ‘end on’, such that the direction issubstantially parallel to the optical communication path 10, as shown inFIG. 5 b, of each connector 2. For example, when coupling twocomplementary connectors 2, both carrying optical fibres, the opticalcommunication paths between the two connecting fibres would normally besubstantially along the longitudinal (propagating) direction of theterminal portion of the fibres held in the connectors 2. This allows forfibre to fibre, end facet, butt coupling.

Throughout the specification reference may be made to the top, bottom,side, back and front of a connector 2. These definitions are intended asbeing non-limiting in absolute connector orientation from an externalstandpoint. For reference purposes, ‘the sides’ are the nominallyhorizontal facing wall/s of the connector 2 that also faceperpendicularly away from the axis of the connector when disposedlaterally flat upon a mounting surface. The front of the connector 2 isnominally the wall/s where the connector 2 engages with anothercomplementary connector 2 typically facing the direction of theconnector engagement 6. Typically the front of the connector coincideswith where the optical communication for a butt-coupled opticalcomponent 4 occurs. The back of the connector 2 is the opposingface/wall/s to the front and, for example, would commonly, but notnecessarily, be the face which could comprise an exit aperture for anyoptical fibres emanating from the connector 2. The sides, top and bottomare those faces that typically form the cross sectional periphery of theconnector 2.

Plug 3 and receptacle 5 are both examples of a connector and for thisreason, although they share new and innovative features, they will eachbe described independently.

Plug

One example of a connector is shown in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b. This connector 2is a plug 3 and is configured to engage with a receptacle 5 connector tobe described in detail below. The plug 3 and receptacle 5 connectors areboth shown in FIGS. 1 a to 1 f. FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show some of thecomponents of the plug 3 without an outer housing 64, where FIG. 3 bshows all components as visible. FIGS. 3 c and 3 d show how an opticalmount 90 of the plug 3 secures an optical component 4 such as an opticalMT ferrule. FIG. 11 shows the covers 12, 28 of the plug 3 being forcedopen by an optical MT ferrule protruding through the front engagingcomponent 48 from inside the plug 3. Although an example of a plug 3 isnow described, the plug 3 may in principle, be modified according toincorporate any suitable connector feature as described herein.

The plug 3 comprises a housing 64, a front engaging component 48, twocovers 12, 28 labelled on FIG. 11, an optical mount 90, two biasingcomponents 58 communicating between the front engaging component 48 andthe optical mount 90, a back end component 60 and a further two biasingcomponents 58 communicating between the optical mount 90 and the backend component 60.

The housing 64 comprises two sets of opposing alignment flanges 70externally on each side wall. The alignment flange sets are verticallyspaced from each other and accommodate and engage an alignment spring 72residing between the two sets. The alignment spring 72 is used to securethe plug 3 to a mounting platform edge 71, such as an edge of a PCB. Thespring 72 is further configured to provide the plug 3, when engaged withthe mounting platform, with different degrees of freedom of movementabout the platform to help accommodate minor misalignments between theplug 3 and receptacle 5.

The opposing alignment flange sets on the housing accommodate and engagewith an alignment spring 72. Each alignment flange set comprises threeseparate flanges 70 protruding outwardly from the side wall at the samevertical level and horizontally spaced along the wall such. Two tabs 82of the alignment spring 72 extend between the flanges 70 in each set.Each tab 82 of the alignment spring 72 biases into an indented surfaceportion 86 of each end flange 72 of the said set so that the spring 72is prevented from coming away and disengaging from the alignment flanges70.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, each alignment spring 72 is formed of 3elongated spring ‘strip’ portions 74, 76, 78 joined in a parallelconfiguration about the centre of the elongate length. The spring 72 ismade from sheet metal that is cut and folded into shape. However inprinciple any suitable resiliently biased material may be used.

The first and second spring portions 74, 76 are adjoined either side ofthe third spring portion 78, and folded at an approximate 90 degreeangle relative to the third spring portion 78 so that first strip facesthe second strip and in cross section the spring 72 resembles a flatbottomed U shape. The flat bottomed part of the U corresponds to thethird strip 78 and lies adjacent to and parallel with the housingsidewall such that the strip width runs along between two sets ofalignment flanges. When the plug 3 is fitted onto the platform 200, twoparallel platform edges 71 pass along and through the alignment spring72 between the first and section strips 74, 76.

Each strip 74, 76, 78 comprises fold lines along the elongate length ofthe strip creating biased inclining and declining surfaces joined by anapex 80 fold that protrudes towards the middle of the spring crosssection. Two such apexes 80 are located near the ends of each strip andmay temporarily flatten out and return to the nominal apex shape asfeatures of the platform 200 are passed over each apex 80. In oneexample, not shown, the platform 200 comprises a raised feature proximalto each engaging platform edge 80 that is positioned to pass over one ofthe apex folds of the first or second spring strips 74, 76 on eachalignment spring 72. Once the raised portions are located between theapexes 80 on the same strip, the plug 3 is secured to the platform 200.Additionally or alternatively the platform engaging edges 71 maycomprise laterally extending engaging protrusions 73 that are positionedto pass over an apex on the third strip 78 and secure the plug 3 bylocating the protrusion between the apexes 80 of the third strip 78.

The front engaging component 48 comprises two alignment components 51and is moveable about the plug 3 connector along the axis of connectorengagement 8. The optical mount 90 is further moveable about the plug 3connector along the axis of connector engagement 8. Two springs act asbiasing components 58 that reside between and contact the optical mount90 and the front engaging component 48. The springs resiliently bias thefront engaging component 48 away from the optical mount 90.

In principle, each of the above components of the plug 3, or the plug 3itself, may be modified in any suitable way as substantially describedherein.

The front engaging component 48 of the plug comprises a front engagingsection having top and bottom sections and two opposing side sections 49spaced apart by a top and a bottom cover 12, 28. The covers are formedfrom a thin metal sheet, however in principle any suitable sheetmaterial may be used. Each cover 12, 28 is moveable about a fold lineadjacent to a substantially flat anchoring portion. The anchoringportion lies in contact with, and is secured to, a respective outersurface of the top/bottom section of the front engaging component 48.The covers move from closed to open position to create an opening 24 asshown in FIG. 11, through which the internally accommodated opticalcomponent may protrude through as shown in FIG. 11.

Each cover 12, 28 comprises an inclined section, which in the closedposition, converges forwardly in the direction of connector engagement 6with the other cover 12, 28 to a meeting point substantially in thevertical centre of the front engaging component 48 and substantiallyco-convergent with first and second tapered sections as now described.

The side sections 49 of the front engaging component 48 aresubstantially symmetrical about the vertical plane intersecting the axisof connector engagement 8. Each side section 49 comprises asubstantially vertical panel extending forwardly in the direction ofconnector engagement 6 wherein the top and bottom edges of the panelforwardly converge to form a first tapering portion 52. This taper is alinear taper but could in principle be any other suitable taperingshape. The side section 49 is used as a forward pushing portion to opensimilar covers 12, 28 on the receptacle 5 connector as described herein.

The side sections also each comprise an alignment component 51 extendingin thickness laterally and horizontally outward from the first taperingportion. The alignment component 51 comprises a second tapered portion54 running substantially parallel with the first tapered portion 52 ofthe side section 49 and having a top vertical alignment surface and abottom vertical alignment surface that extend and converge forwardly(parallel to the direction of connector engagement 6).

The said top and bottom alignment surfaces of the second tapered portion54 then run forwardly until they coincide with the correspondingsurfaces of the first tapered portion 52. The alignment component 51therefore comprises top and bottom alignment surfaces that act, in use,to guide the front engaging component 48 into a mating configuration asthe connector 2 is pushed into physical engagement with the otherreceiving complementary receptacle 5 connector, whereby the top andbottom alignment surfaces contact and fit complementary top and bottomalignment surfaces of the other receptacle 5.

Each alignment component 51 comprises a substantially flat and verticalsidewall that forms the outer facing surface of the forwardly extendingside section 49. The said sidewalls act together to facilitatehorizontal lateral alignment of the front engaging component 48 when theouter vertical surfaces contact a complementary surface of the receivingconnector 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 c and 3 d, the optical mount 90 comprises twolongitudinally extending grips 92 that run parallel and forward in thedirection of connector engagement 6, each terminating in an inward hook94. The grips 92 are formed of a suitable material that providesresilient biasing so that an optical component 4 (with complementaryfeatures for the hooks to engage upon) may be snap fit between the twogrips 92. Preferably, the distance between the inner facing surfaces ofthe grips 92 corresponds to the width of the portion of the opticalcomponent 4 captured between the grips 92.

The optical mount 90 further comprises two side flanges 96 eachextending outwardly and laterally proud of each proximal grip 92. Eachside flange 96 comprises a front facing vertical surface, as shown inFIG. 3 a, wherein each surface comprises a cylindrical depression 56 toat least partially house a first biasing component 58 is. In thisexample the biasing component 58 is a spring.

The back end component 60 comprises a substantially forward facingvertical rectangular back panel section 66 with laterally and verticallyextending through cut-outs that allow optical fibres or other physicalcommunication media to pass through. Four lugs 62 are provided to snapfit the back end component 60 to the housing 64. The back panel (or backsection) 66 further comprises one or more stops 68 outwardly extendingin the plane of the back panel. The said stops 68 having a front surfaceoperative in use to contact a corresponding back facing surface portionof the housing 64, to prevent the back end component 60 from travellingforward into the housing 64.

The back end component 60 further comprises two cylindrical depressions56 extending backwardly into the front surface of the back panel. Saiddepressions 56 are spatially separated about the plane of the back panelfrom the trough cut-outs. Each depression 56 is configured toaccommodate at least an end portion of one of the spring biasingcomponents 58 that resiliently biasing the back panel away from theoptical mount 90.

The two back end component depressions 56 are vertically level andhorizontally separated about the back panel.

The back facings of the front engaging component 48 and the opticalmount 90, as shown in FIG. 3 b, comprise cylindrical depressions 56 alsosized to at least partially accommodate a portion of the biasingcomponents 58 biasing the said front engaging component 48 against thesaid optical mount 90; and the said optical mount 90 against the saidback end component 60.

The housing 64 comprises a substantially rectangular cross sectionalbody with side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The walls define aperipherally enclosed channel with a back end opening through which theback end component 60 can at least partially be inserted into, and afront end opening forwardly disposed from the front engaging component48 and covers 12, 28 when the connector covers 12, 28 are in the closedposition (i.e. a front portion of the housing 64 overhangs the frontengaging component 48 and the covers 12, 28 when the covers are inclosed position).

The front housing opening is sized to allow the complementary connector2 to enter the housing 64 from the front.

Receptacle

In another example of the present invention, the connector 2 is areceptacle 5 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, 5 a to 5 c and FIG.12. The receptacle 5 comprises a housing 65, two covers, two shields 20,38, two cover retaining clips and two alignment components 50 on thesides of the housing. FIG. 4 a also show an optical component 4 housedin the receptacle 5. FIGS. 5 a-5 c show certain components of thereceptacle 5 including an optical MT ferrule which it is carrying. Inprinciple the receptacle 5 may accommodate any suitable opticalcomponent, which may be replaceable. FIG. 5 a shows the internalcomponents without the housing 65. FIG. 5 b shows the same components of5 a but without the covers 12, 28, whilst FIG. 5 c shows the componentsof the connector 2 including the housing 65, but without the covers 12,28.

In principle, each of the above components of the receptacle 5, or thereceptacle 5 itself, may be modified in any suitable way assubstantially described herein. Preferably the receptacle 5 has a lengthrunning from the back of the housing (excluding any alignment stubs 114)to the front of the housing, of between 10 mm-25 mm, more preferablybetween 15 mm-20 mm, more preferably approximately 18 mm. The receptaclehousing height is preferably between 8 mm and 11 mm, more preferably9-10 mm, more preferably 9.5 mm. The receptacle housing width ispreferably between 12-18 mm, preferably between 15-16 mm, morepreferably approximately 15.5 mm.

The housing 65 is formed in one section, but in principle could bemultiple sections coupled together. The housing 65 comprises a backsection comprising a substantially rectangular cross section, a topwall, a bottom wall and two opposing sidewalls. The optical componentoptically communicates through a front opening 26 created by the openingof the receptacle covers 12, 28 as shown in FIG. 10 d. The back of theback section comprises another opening through which four lugs 100protrude and extend substantially perpendicularly outward and away fromthe back of the housing 65 as shown in FIG. 4 a and FIG. 12, whereinFIG. 12 only shows three of the said four lugs 100. Two of the four lugsare snap fitting locking lugs 101 whilst the remaining two lugs areguide lugs 103.

The opening also allows for the insertion of the optical component intothe receptacle 5 between the four lugs 100. Each snap fitting lockinglug 101 is a resiliently biased elongated finger comprising asubstantially square or rectangular cross section with a substantiallyflat inner surface facing towards the middle of the receptacle 5, anopposite outer facing surface and two adjoining side surfaces. Each lug100 resides partially within the receptacle housing 65, extending outthe back of the receptacle housing 65 and is formed integrally with thehousing 65. In principle however the lugs 100 may be formed separatelyto the housing 65. Each lug 100 has its outer facing surface alignedsubstantially parallel with a different one of the top, bottom or sidewalls of the receptacle housing 65, thus making two side lugs, a top lugand a bottom lug. The top and bottom lugs 100 are snap fitting lockinglugs 101, the side lugs 100 are the guide lugs 103. When a rectangularoptical MT ferrule is inserted and secured between the four lugs 100, aportion the inner surface of each lug 100 contacts a different side ofthe ferrule.

As shown in FIG. 12, each snap fitting locking lug 101 comprises a frontsection 104 residing within the housing 65 that is sized to accommodatethe optical component 4. The front section 104 of the locking lug 101joins a back section 106 via a lip 102 that acts to secure the opticalcomponent in the receptacle 5 by providing a back end stop upon whichthe back of the optical component contacts when the optical component isfully inserted in the receptacle 5. The back section 106 of each lockinglug 101 comprises a longitudinally tapered inner surface 108, runningfrom the back terminal end of the lug to the lip 102, acting to funneland guide the optical component in between the lugs 100 as it is urgedinto the receptacle 5. The guide lugs 103 also comprise a similarlongitudinally tapered inner surface. Upon insertion of the opticalcomponent between the lugs 100, each locking lug 101 deflects and movedirectly away from the opposing locking lug 101 to allow the opticalcomponent to enter the front section 104 as the said optical componentis pushed into the receptacle 5. Once the optical component has beeninserted into the front section 104, the locking lugs 101 snap back tothe nominal un-deflected position such that back end stop of each lip102 is in contact with the back of the optical component.

The back end stops prevent the optical component from moving backwardlyout of the receptacle 5 once inserted. Conversely, each side guide lug103 may comprise a front end stop surface that is positioned to contacta forward facing surface of the ferrule and stop the optical ferrulefrom moving further into the receptacle 5. The front and back end stopstherefore secure the optical ferrule in the receptacle 5. In principle,the front and/or back end stops can be located on any one or more of thelugs 100, preferably at least on a pair of opposing lugs. The ability ofthe locking lugs 101 to move and prise apart further allows a degree ofpivoting movement for the optical component, when in inserted position,to facilitate the best mating fit to a connecting ferrule of acomplementary connector.

The top and bottom walls of the back section of the receptacle housingas shown in FIGS. 5 c and 12, both comprise forwardly inclining portions110 that incline towards each other and terminate before joining to forman opening through which the ferrules can optically communicate. Eachinclined portion 110 is configured to reside underneath the adjacentshield 32, 38 and cover 12, 28 when the said shield 32, 38 and cover 12,28 are in closed positions. The shield 32, 38 may contact the outersurface of the inclined portion when in closed position.

As shown in FIG. 1 a, the back wall of the housing 65 further comprisestwo screw fixing holes 112, preferably spaced in diagonally opposedcorners about the back wall, for fixing the receptacle 5 to a mountingplatform such as a PCB 200. In principle however, any other suitablefixing means may be used any number of fixing means may be used such asone or a plurality of screw holes 112.

The back wall of the housing further comprises two backwardly protrudingalignment stubs 114 preferably spaced in diagonally opposed cornersabout the back wall, that fit, preferably flushly, into complementaryshaped holes in the mounting platform 200. Preferably these stubs 114have a cross sectional shape resembling a plus sign (+).

The mounting platform 200 also preferably comprises an aperture, forexample a through hole or depressed sized to accommodate the backwardlyprotruding lugs 100.

As shown in FIGS. 5 c and 12, the housing 65 further comprises twofunnelling alignment components 116 that serve to funnel the frontengaging component 48 of a complementary connector 2 (such as a plug 3)into mating engagement. Each funnelling alignment component 116 forms asidewall portion of the housing 65 extending outwardly forwards from oneof the side walls of the housing back section in a direction parallel tothe direction of connector engagement 6. Each funnelling alignmentcomponent 116 comprise one or more inner surfaces that substantiallyface the corresponding opposite funnelling alignment component 116, andare spaced apart from the other alignment component 116.

Each funnelling alignment component 116 comprises an inwardly facingwall surface comprising a horizontally extending depressionlongitudinally tapering both backwards and inwards such that thedepression converges to an un-depressed inner surface. The depressionmay be shaped to provide a first vertically narrowing taper commencingat the front edge of the funnelling alignment component 116 convergingbackwardly towards the back section of the housing 65. This firstvertical taper provides an upwardly inclining substantially upwardlyfacing bottom guide surface 118 and a corresponding downwardly incliningsubstantially downward facing top guide surface 120. Alternatively thebottom 118 and top 120 guide surfaces funnelling alignment component 116may not vertically incline, as shown in FIG. 5 c.

The back portion of the housing 65 comprises two receiving alignmentcomponents 50 as shown in FIG. 5 c, each forming at least an innerfacing portion of a back section sidewall that is spaced apart from anopposing back section sidewall. Each receiving alignment component 50comprises structural features configured to contact and engagecomplementary engaging features of a further complementary connector 2.Such a further connector 2 may be a plug 3 as substantially describedherein. The engaging features are surfaces formed as a result of adepression having the shape of an inwardly converging receiving taper.This taper preferably comprises an upwardly inclining substantiallyupwardly facing bottom surface and a downwardly inclining substantiallydownwardly facing top surface. The receiving taper may converge to anintermediary position where the inclining surfaces both tendhorizontally backward for a distance forming a closed ended slotsuitable for accommodating an equivalent end protrusion or nippleportion of an alignment component 50 of the engaging connector 2.

The receptacle covers 12, 28 are formed from sheet metal or any anotherrigidly deformable sheet material. Each cover 12, 28 is bordered, abouta first fold line, with a rear anchoring portion. The anchoring portionis sandwiched between the corresponding top or bottom wall of the backsection of the housing 65 and a corresponding top or bottom retainingclip 122. The first fold line is preferably adjacent to the front edgeof the retaining clip 122.

As shown in FIG. 5 a, each cover 12, 28, in the closed position,comprises an initial portion of the sheet that is bent along the firstfold line outwardly away from the optical component. This initialoutwardly extending portion of the cover 12, 28 bends about the firstfold line to be substantially adjacent to the front facing of theretaining clip 122. The cover 12, 28 then comprises a second fold linesubstantially parallel to the first fold line and substantiallycoincident with the outermost surface of the retaining clip 122. Thecover 12, 28 is bent about this second fold line such that asubstantially rectangular flat planar sheet extends forwardly in thedirection of connector engagement 6 and inclining in a converging mannertowards the other cover 12, 28.

In closed position, each cover 12, 28 converges towards the opposingcover 12, 28, to meet at opposing mouth edges 124. As shown in FIG. 5 a,the receptacle covers 12, 28 in the closed position follow the gradientof the inclined portions of the top and bottom housing walls. The mouthedge 124 of each cover 12, 28 opens and closes as the covers 12, 28 openand close, thus creating an opening 26 (see FIG. 10 d) through whichanother connector may protrude through. Preferably the other connectoris a plug 3 connector and the opening 26 created by the movement of thereceptacle cover mouth edges 124 to the respective open positions issized to allow the plug front engaging component 48 and plug covers 12,28 (at least in closed position) to enter the receptacle 5.

Each cover 12, 28 further comprises a forwardly terminating lip 30extending from the mouth edge 124. The lip 30 is formed by folding backthe forward terminal end of the cover 12, 28 about a fold line such thatthe fold line becomes the mouth edge 124 of that cover. In the closedposition, each lip 30 inclines forward in the direction of connectorengagement and outward away from the opposing mouth edge 124. The lips30 act to aid the mechanical opening of the covers 12, 28 by providingtwo surfaces that converge towards the receptacle 5 and guide a frontengaging component 48 of a complementary connector, such as a plug 3connector, into the middle of the receptacle covers 12, 28 where thereceptacle mouth edges 124 meet.

The covers 12, 28 in the closed position act to substantially obscurethe optical path to and from the optical component.

The two shields 20, 38 as shown in FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c are configuredto each reside between the optical component 4 and the adjacent cover12, 28. Each shield is formed from a strip of sheet metal however inprinciple any suitable resiliently deformable material may be used. Eachshield is configured to be moveable from a closed to an open position bybeing urged outwardly as a portion of an external connector 3 is drivenforwards into the receptacle 5 towards the receptacle optical component.Preferably the external connector is a plug 3 connector and the portionentering the receptacle 5 and urging the shields open is any of the plugfront engaging component and/or the plug covers in closed position. Oncethe complementary engaging connector is removed from the receptacle 5the receptacle shields (and receptacle covers) move back to theirnominal closed positions.

Each shield 20, 38 comprises first and second fold lines, similar to thecovers and is similarly bordered by an anchoring portion that is alsosecurely sandwiched between the retaining clip securing the adjacentcover anchoring portion and the corresponding top or bottom wall of thehousing back section.

Each shield 20, 38 further comprises a first shield portion 32 and asecond shield portion 34. The first shield portion 32 borders the secondshield portion 34 along a further fold line and the anchoring portionalong another fold line, wherein each fold line runs along the width ofthe strip substantially perpendicular to the strip elongate length. Thefirst shield portion 32, in closed position, inclines forwardly along asimilar inclination to the inclination of the adjacent cover 12, 28 inclosed position. The second shield portion 34 is folded back in anopposing inclination to the first shield portion 32 and lies in the pathof optical communication. As shown in FIGS. 6 d and 6 e, as each shield20, 38 is being urged from closed to open position; the first shieldportion 32 raises outwardly by pivoting about its first and second foldlines adjacent to the anchoring portion; whilst the second shieldportion 34 raises outwardly by pivoting about the fold line joining thefirst a second shield portions. In effect the first 32 and second 34shield portions tend towards a substantially flattened folded positionas they are pushed into open position.

Engagement

FIGS. 6 a to 6 f progressively show the engagement of a plug 3 andreceptacle 5 as described herein. In this series of figures, the housing64, 65 of the plug 3 and receptacle 5 are not shown.

FIGS. 10 a to 10 e show exploded perspective views of the connectorcoupling as described below and shown by FIGS. 6 a-6 h.

In principle, the following engagement can be achieved using variouscomplementary connectors 2 as described herein.

FIG. 6 a shows the plug 3 and receptacle 5 separated whilst FIG. 6 bshows the connectors 2 at the point of initial engagement where thefront tip of the plug front engaging component 48 comes into contactwith the forwardly terminating lips 30 of the covers 12, 28 of thereceptacle 5.

As the connectors 2 are then moved forwardly into coupling engagement,as shown in FIGS. 6 c and 6 d, the plug front engaging component 48urges the receptacle covers 12, 28 into the second ‘open’ positionwhereby the plug front engaging component 48 and the plug covers 12, 28are inserted into the opening 26 made by the opening of the receptaclecovers. FIG. 6 d shows the position where the plug front engagingcomponent 48 has opened the receptacle covers 12, 28 and is in initialcontact with the receptacle shields 20, 38.

The movement of the connectors 2, after FIG. 6 d, continues towards eachother (either by moving one or both of the connectors 2). The plug frontengaging component 48 forces open the shields 20, 38 of the receptacle 5and continues along the direction of connector engagement 6 until thealignment components 51 of the plug 3 (residing upon the plug frontengaging component 48) contact and engage with the complementary‘receiving’ alignment components 50 of the receptacle 5. In this examplethe alignment components 50, 51 are tapered surfaces.

FIG. 6 e shows the situation where the connectors 2 have been moved sothat the said complementary alignment components 50, 51 of theconnectors 2 have made contact and cannot proceed further in thedirection of connector engagement 6.

The external force driving the connectors 2 into engagement then furthercontinues, in FIGS. 6 f, 6 g and 6 h, to urge the plug front engagingcomponent 48 backwardly into the plug 3. As this happens, the biasingcomponents 58 between the plug optical mount 90 and plug front engagingcomponent 48 compress, as shown in FIG. 6 f. This, in combination withthe stronger biasing components 58 between the plug back end component60 and optical mount 90, forces the plug optical component 4 (mounted onthe plug optical mount 90) to drive into the plug front engagingcomponent 48. The plug optical component 4 is therefore caused tocontact and push against the inner surfaces 18 of the plug covers 12,28, as shown in FIG. 10 d. This action urges the plug covers 12, 28 intoan open position allowing the plug optical component 4 to protrudethrough the opening 24 created by the plug covers 12, 28 as shown inFIG. 10 e. FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the plug opticalcomponent 4 opening the plug covers 12, 28. This motion continues untilthe optical components 4 come into mating engagement (FIG. 6 g) whereinthe alignment pins of the optical ferrule housed by the plug 3 insertinto complementary recesses in the optical ferrule housed by thereceptacle 5.

Any further forward movement in the direction of connector engagement 6is accommodated, to an extent, by the compression of the biasingcomponents 58 coupled between the plug optical mount 90 and plug backend component 60 as shown in FIG. 6 h.

PCB

FIGS. 7, 8 a-8 c and 9 a-9 d illustrate an example of a printed circuitboard (PCB) suitable for supporting and optically coupling to anexternal optical assembly. The PCB 200 comprises a first outer supportlayer 204 and an optical layer 206. The optical layer 206 comprises acladding material 210 and a first planar cladding surface 208substantially parallel with and facing towards the first outer supportlayer 204. The cladding material 210 comprises a plurality of opticalwaveguides 212 bordering the first planar cladding surface 208, althoughin principle the cladding material 210 may comprise one or morewaveguides 212. The optical layer 206 may also be referred to as anoptical cladding layer. The PCB 200 in FIG. 7 further comprises a firstrecess 214 extending through the first outer support layer 204, opticallayer 206, optical waveguides 212 and a second outer support layer 226.In principle, the first recess 214 may at least partially extend throughthe optical layer 206 and does not have to extend into the second outersupport layer 226. The PCB 200 also further comprises a second recess216 extending through the first outer support layer 204 and exposing aportion of the first planar cladding surface 208. The second recess 216overlaps the first recess, although in principle PCB's 200 as presentedherein may also comprise first 214 and second recesses 216 borderingeach other or being separate to each other.

The first 214 and second 216 recesses are substantially rectangular inplan cross section comprising two opposing short sides 215 and twoopposing long sides 217, but in principle may be any suitable shape. Thesecond recess 216 overlaps the first recess 214 along one of the shortsides 215 of the first recess 214 and is oriented perpendicular to thefirst recess 214 such that one of the long sides 217 of the secondrecess 216 is substantially parallel to one of the short sides 215 ofthe first recess 214. The first recess 214 overlaps the second recess216 so that one of the short sides 215 of the first recess 214 lieswithin the plan cross section of the second recess 216 whilst theopposing first recess short side 215 lies outside of the second recess216. The said long side 217 of the second recess 216 is longer than thesaid short side 215 of the first recess 214 such that the long side 217of the second recess 216 extends proud at either end of the length ofthe first recess short side 215 in the region of overlap. This creates asubstantially U-shaped exposed portion of the first planar claddingsurface. In another equivalent interpretation of this example, thesecond recess 216 could simply be the said resulting U-shape, thus thefirst 214 and second recesses 216 are adjacently bordering each otheralong the inner surface of the U-shape.

The said recesses may be formed by any suitable technique, for examplecreating the first recess 214 by milling, other machining methods or anyother suitable method of creating a substantially rectangular hole intoor through the PCB 200. The second recess 216 may be formed after thefirst recess 214 by selectively removing the first outer support layer204.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a PCB 200 comprising a single first recess214, a single second recess 216, a single first outer support layer 204,a plurality of waveguides 212 in an optical layer 206 and a second outersupport layer 226. The first outer support layer 204 in FIG. 7 comprisesan outer planar surface 220. Typically this is one of the outermostsurfaces of the PCB 200. The first outer support layer 204 furthercomprises an inner planar surface 224 bordering the first planarcladding surface 208. The second outer support layer 226 comprises aninner planar surface bordering and facing the optical layer 206 andfacing the first outer support layer 204. The first and second outersupport layers sandwich the optical layer 206.

In principle however the PCB 200 may be varied and modified as describedherein and may comprise more than one set of first and second recesses214, 216 located in different positions on the PCB 200.

The PCB waveguides 212 (which may in principle comprise one or moreoptical waveguides 212) are arranged in a waveguide array wherein thewaveguides 212 in the array are uniformly spaced apart along a directionparallel (i.e. horizontally) to the major plane of the PCB 200. Inprinciple the PCB 200 may comprise more than one waveguide array. ThePCB 200 may comprise a plurality of waveguide arrays vertically spaced(i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the major plane of the PCB 200)wherein each array is preferably spaced apart from another array withinthe optical layer 206. FIG. 7 shows a PCB 200 with a single waveguidearray.

As shown in FIG. 7, the optical waveguides 212 extend substantiallylongitudinally in the plane of the optical layer 206. Each waveguide 212extends into the optical layer 206 from the first planar claddingsurface 208 such that at least a portion of the cross sectionalperiphery of the waveguide 212 is coincident with the first planarcladding surface 208.

The waveguides 212 are preferably formed from either a glass material ora polymer material. Preferably the cladding material 210 of the opticallayer 206 comprises a similar material to the waveguides 212 butcomprises a lower refractive index than the waveguides 212 at thedesired wavelength of operation.

The waveguides 212 in the printed circuit board of FIG. 7 are gradedindex (GRIN) waveguides 212 formed within the cladding material 210using any suitable technique, such as ion implantation. An example of asuitable technique for forming waveguides is that described in “GlassPanel Processing for Electrical and Optical Packaging,” H. Schröder, L.Brusberg, et al., Proc. of 61st Electronic Components and TechnologyConference (ECTC), Orlando, Fla., USA, 31 May-3 Jun. 2011, 625-633, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The GRINwaveguides 212 are formed such that the top of the GRIN waveguides 212are coincident with the first planar cladding surface 208.

FIG. 7 shows the second recess 216 bordering/overlapping the firstrecess 214 in the plane of the PCB 200. This composite recess has anexposed portion 218 of the first planar cladding surface 208 thatprovides a reference surface 222 for alignment of the optical waveguide212 and external optical assembly. The reference surface 222 is used toalign the optical waveguides 212 to an external optical assembly in adirection perpendicular to the plane of the PCB 200. The first recess214 in FIG. 7 extends all the way through the PCB 200 (substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the PCB 200) and comprises a side wallextending through the cross section of the waveguides 212 creating aplurality of waveguide coupling facets. The sidewall in FIG. 7 is alsoperpendicular to the propagation direction of the waveguides 212 at thefacet, thus creating flat facets. However in principle, the sidewall maybe created to extend through the waveguides 212 creating angled facetsto reduce the effects of facet back reflections.

The second recess 216 extends through the outer support layer 204stopping at the first planar cladding surface 208. At least a portion ofthe second recess 216 in FIG. 7 does not overlap the first recess 214 sothat the composite recess formed from the overlapping/bordering of thefirst 214 and second recess 216 creates a U-shaped ledge portion 232. Inprinciple however any ledge may be formed. The ledge portion 232 extendsalong a border between the first and second recesses and comprises theportion of the first recess sidewall that extends through the opticalwaveguides 212. The U-shaped exposed portion provides a stable platformfor an optical sub-mount 236 because it has one front surface(corresponding to the flat bottom of the U) and two perpendicularlyextending opposing side surfaces for the optical sub-mount 236 to restupon.

The first recess 214 in FIG. 7 is configured to accommodate at leastpart of an external optical assembly. The second recess 216 in FIG. 7 isalso configured to accommodate a part of the same external assembly.

Sub-Mount

FIG. 7 further shows an optical sub-mount 236 suitable for contacting aPCB 200 as described herein or any other suitable PCB comprising one ormore PCB recesses wherein the said one or more PCB recesses comprising asidewall extending into a PCB outer layer. The sub mount 236 isconfigured to support an optical component 4 used for optically couplingto the PCB optical waveguides 212. In principle, the sub-mount opticalcomponent may couple to any optical component 4 (not shown in FIG. 7)supported by the PCB 200. The sub-mount 236 comprises a first surface238, second surface 240 (shown in FIG. 8 b) and third surface 242 (shownin FIG. 7) wherein the second surface 240 is angled in a perpendicularplane to the plane of the first surface 238. The first surface 238 isdefined on the under surface of a U-shape flange formed by the firstbody section 250 of the sub-mount 236. When the sub-mount 236 is mountedonto the PCB 200, the first surface 238 faces the outer planar surface220 of the first outer support layer 204 of the PCB 200 whilst thesecond surface 240 faces a sidewall 219 of the PCB second recess 216.

In principle however, each of the first 238 and second 240 surfaces areconfigured to at least partially face at least one surface, or recesssurface, of the PCB 200 when the sub-mount 236 contacts the PCB 200.Preferably, at least one of the said PCB surfaces comprises the PCBrecess sidewall.

The third surface 242 of the sub-mount 236 is a flat top surface that issubstantially parallel with the PCB outer planar surface 220 when thesub-mount 236 is mounted onto the PCB 200.

The sub mount 236 also comprises a through-hole 244 extending from thethird surface 242 through to the first 238 and second surfaces 240.

The recess sidewall that is used, in this example of FIG. 7, to bondwith the sub-mount 236 is a sidewall of the second recess 216, howeverin principle the PCB recess sidewall may be another recess sidewallsuch, as the a sidewall of a first recess 214. As shown in FIG. 8, whenthe sub mount 236 contacts the PCB 200; the second surface 240 isconfigured to extend into the PCB recess when the sub mount 236 contactsthe PCB 200.

The sub mount through-hole 244 therefore comprises an exit aperture thatcoincides with different surfaces of the sub-mount 236. An adhesive thatis introduced through the through hole 244 from the third surface 242and exits the through hole 244 via the first and second surfaces 238,240 may therefore contact and bond different surfaces of the PCB 200 toprovide a more secure, multifaceted bond between the PCB 200 and thesub-mount 236.

FIG. 8 a shows a perspective view of the sub mount 236 of FIG. 8accommodated in a composite recess of a PCB 200 as described above. FIG.8 c shows the same configuration as that of FIG. 8 a further with thesub-mount 236 holding an optical component 4. In this example, theoptical component 4 comprises an optical fibre ferrule. FIG. 8 b showsthe same arrangement of FIG. 8 c but from the underside of the PCB 200.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 a-8 c, the through hole 244 exits through a common exitaperture on the first and second surfaces 238, 240 thus forming anadhesive fixing area. The through hole 244 is sized to allow an adhesivematerial to flow through an aperture in the third surface 242 and out ofa common exit aperture on the first and second surfaces 238, 240. Thefirst surface 238 and second surface 240 border, and are orientedperpendicular in plane to, each other. The first surface 238 resides onan underside of a first body section 250 of the sub mount that, whenintegrated with the PCB 200, resides proud of the PCB outer layer. Thesecond surface 240 resides on a sidewall of a second body section 252 ofthe sub-mount 236 that, when integrated with the PCB 200, is configuredto extend into the PCB recess. The second surface 240 resides on asidewall of the second body section 252 that runs substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the PCB 200. The through-hole 244 exitaperture goes through part of the border between the first and secondsurfaces 238, 240.

The through-hole 244 in this example therefore exits through sub-mountsurfaces that face the recess wall of the second recess 216, and aportion of the outer facing PCB surface that borders the said recesswall. The PCB 200 surfaces that the sub-mount 236 bond to therefore formpart of an outer recess ledge. The optical sub-mount 236 preferablycomprises a plurality of such through holes 244 located around thesub-mount 236. The through holes 244 preferably comprise a cross sectionthat is longer in one dimension than the other and oriented such thatwhen mounted upon the PCB 200, the long length of the through-holes 244run parallel with the length of the recess edge that the adhesive (ofthe said hole) intends to bond with. The through-holes 244 preferablyhave straight long edges and curved end edges to help facilitate flow ofadhesive through the hole 244.

Four such through holes 244 are preferably provided, one each configuredto align along the opposing outer sides of the U-shape exposed portionof the PCB, the other two sequentially aligned along the bottom outerside of the U-shaped exposed portion as shown in FIG. 7.

The optical sub-mount 236 in this example comprises a plurality ofcontact surfaces 260 configured to contact a complementary contactsurface of the PCB 200. Preferably the sub-mount 236 comprises four suchsurfaces as shown in FIG. 8 b. In principle a sub-mount 236 may compriseone or more of such surfaces. The sub-mount contact surfaces 260 aresubstantially parallel to the plane of the PCB 200 when the sub-mount236 contacts the PCB 200 and form part of flat bottomed protrusions 258extending outwardly from a bottom surface of the second body section 252that faces directly away from the first body section 250 of thesub-mount 236. These sub-mount contact surfaces 260 are intended tocontact complementary PCB contact surface areas residing on one or moreexposed portions 218 of the PCB first planar cladding surface 208 (i.e.a bottom surface of the PCB second recess 216).

The optical sub-mount 236 of FIGS. 7 and 8 a-8 c comprises a third bodysection 254 extending into the first recess 214 of the PCB 200 in adirection substantially parallel to the facing direction of thesub-mount 236 contact surface 260. A sub-mount recess 262 is formedwithin the first, second and third body sections 250, 252, 254 of thesub mount 236. The sub-mount recess 262 comprises a first outer aperture264 sized to accommodate the sub-mount optical component 4. In principlehowever the sub-mount recess 262 maybe formed in any one or more ofthese sections. The sub-mount recess 262 extends from the first outeraperture 264 into the sub-mount 236 substantially parallel to the planeof the PCB 200. The sub-mount recess 262 further comprises a secondouter aperture 266 at the opposite end of the sub-mount recess 262. Thesecond outer aperture 266 is configured and sized to allow an opticalcomponent 4 (such as an optical fibre ferrule in FIG. 8 a-8 c) residingin the sub-mount recess 262 to optically communicate with the waveguides212 supported by the PCB 200. The second outer aperture 266 is alsosized to prevent the said optical component 4 from passing through thesecond outer aperture 266. A first sub mount lateral contact surface268, opposite to the first outer aperture 264, resides substantiallyadjacent to the second outer aperture 266 and is configured to be ableto contact the sub mount optical component 4 when the optical component4 is accommodated within the sub-mount recess 262. The first lateralcontact surface 268 preferably extends substantially perpendicular tothe major plane of the first sub mount body section. The first lateralcontact surface 268 also preferably comprises two sub-mount alignmentrecesses 270 configured to accommodate two complementary alignment pinsextending from an optical ferrule.

The third body section 254 of the sub-mount may in principle alsocomprise one or more second lateral contact surfaces configured tocontact a sidewall of the first PCB recess when the sub mount contactsthe PCB 200.

The sub mount recess 262 further comprises a sidewall 276 substantiallyperpendicular to the first outer aperture 264 and parallel with thethird surface of the sub-mount. The sidewall 276 comprises a raisedportion 278 for contacting the optical component 4. The raised portion278 comprises a substantially flat surface parallel to the sub-mountrecess sidewall 276. The raised portion 278 is located substantially inthe middle of the cross sectional width of the recess sidewall 276 andruns longitudinally along the sub-mount recess 262 from the first outeraperture 264 to the second outer aperture 266. In principle however anyraised portion of the said sub-mount recess 262 may be used tovertically align the sub-mount optical component within the sub-mountrecess 262. Alternatively, the said sub-mount recess sidewall 276 maynot comprise any raised portions, wherein the said optical component maydirectly contact and align directly from the sidewall 276.

The PCB 200 and optical sub-mount 236 may be combined to form anintegrated assembly wherein the ‘external optical assembly’ as describedby the description of the PCB 200, comprises the optical sub-mount 236as described herein and optionally the sub-mount optical component 4.The integrated assembly may further comprise an adhesive materialcontacting the PCB recess sidewall, the PCB outer surface, the firstbody section 250, the second body section 252 and optionally thesub-mount recess 262. The integrated assembly may further comprise asub-mount optical component 4 as shown in FIG. 9 c.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c show the PCB 200 of FIGS. 7, 8 a-8 c, integrated with thesub-mount 236 of FIGS. 8 a-8 c wherein the first PCB recess is extendedin plan cross section so that a portion of the first recess 214 can beused to locate at least partially underneath a socket 284. FIG. 9 dshows two such integrated assemblies on the same PCB 200 opticallycoupled using PCB waveguides 212.

The socket 284 is disposed upon the PCB outer planar surface 220 and atleast partially covers a portion of the first PCB recess 214. The socket284 comprises an elongated housing (286) extending substantiallyperpendicularly away from the PCB outer planar surface 220 andcomprising a first aperture 288 sized to accommodate an opticalconnector 2 and an opposing second aperture 290 residing substantiallycoincident with the PCB outer planar layer and sized to allow a furtheroptical component to enter the socket 284 through the PCB first recess214. The apertures 288, 290 are substantially rectangular in crosssection, the first aperture 288 being sized to flushly fit theconnector. The optical connector 2 shown in the example of FIGS. 9 a-9 cis a receptacle 5 connector substantially as described herein, whereinthe receptacle 5 houses the further optical component, which in thisexample is an optical ferrule. In principle the connector 2 engaged withthe socket 284 may be any connector 2 described herein and the socketapertures 288, 290 may be of any cross sectional shape or size suitableto accommodate a connector 2.

The integrated assembly may further be configured such that the furtheroptical component is in optical communication with the optical component4 of the sub-mount 236. In the example shown in FIGS. 9 a-9 c, thefurther optical component is an optical ferrule accommodated in thereceptacle 5 and optically communicating with the sub mount opticalcomponent 4 via an array of optical fibres.

The assembly further comprises attachment means 292 disposed on theopposing side of the PCB 200 to the PCB outer support layer 204. Theattachment means 292 are configured to secure the socket 284 to the PCB200 and may comprise screws, clips.

Further to the above examples, the connectors and their associatedcomponents and features as presented may be further modified as follows.

Covers

Connectors 2 described herein, (as exemplified by a plug 3 and areceptacle 5), preferably comprise one or more covers 12, 28.

The, or each of the covers 12, 28 may be configured to be able to moveto and from a first position (referred to throughout also as a ‘closed’position). The first position is typically configured to provideprotection to a coupling facet of the optical component 4 (housed by theconnector 2) from dust or any other unwanted material locating upon oraround the facet (which commonly coincides with the end of the opticalfibres though which light is output or input). The cover 12, 28 isfurther configured to be able to move to and from a second position(referred to throughout also an ‘open’ position). The second position isa different position/and or orientation of the cover 12, 28 about theconnector 2 than the first position. The cover 12, 28 may have variousintermediary positions in-between the first and second position and alsomay have further positions that are not in between the first and secondposition, however typically the first and second positions are ‘end’positions. End positions are positions where the cover 12, 28 does notsubstantially move any further in the same direction or manner it tookto get to that position. The retraction of the cover 12, 28 to an openposition may be facilitated by a variety of input stimuli including anyof: being mechanically forced open by a component forming part of thesame connector 2; being mechanically forced open by a component externalto the connector 2 (such as an engaging component of a complementaryconnector 2); being opened manually by a user; or any other suitablemethod or means to open the cover 12, 28.

The cover 12, 28 may be required to move from a closed to an openposition to allow for optical communication with the optical component 4and/or to allow for physical engagement between the connector 2 andanother connector 2 and/or a component of another connector 2.

The cover 12, 28 may be formed of any suitable material and comprisesone or more outer surfaces that, when at least in a closed position, actto shield the optical component 4 from dust or other unwanted material.Preferably the cover 12, 28 comprises a sheet material. Preferably thecover 12, 28 material is resiliently deformable and/or can beresiliently biased in one position about a fold line. Preferably thecover 12, 28 comprises a sheet metal.

Preferably, the cover 12, 28 comprises an outer surface 14 as shown inFIG. 4 a (exemplified by a receptacle connector). Preferably the cover12, 28 is configured in the first position; to reside at least partiallyin-front of the optical component 4 along a direction parallel to thedirection of connector engagement 6 (see FIG. 1 d); and, to provide atleast a component of the outer surface normal 16 (see FIG. 5 a) that isparallel to the direction of connector engagement 6. In other words, theouter surface 14 of the cover in closed position is viewable whenlooking at the connector 2 along the axis of connection 8. Preferably,as the cover 12, 28 moves between the first position to the secondposition, the said outer surface 14 of the cover 12, 28 continuallyfaces away from the optical component 4. By having the outer surface 14continually facing away from the optical component 4 as the cover 12, 28moves from a closed to an open position, any dust that has accumulatedupon the outer surface 14 will not fall directly upon the opticalcomponent 4 as the cover 12, 28 moves. Preferably the first position ofthe cover 12, 28 provides the outer surface 14 at least partially facingtowards the direction of connector engagement 6; and the inner surface18 at least partially facing the first optical component 4 accommodatedby the connector 2.

The components of the optical connector 2 may be formed of any suitablematerials to provide the functions required. For example, the housing64, 65, front engaging component 48, alignment components 50, 51 andother components as described herein; such as those supporting the cover12, 28 or the optical component 4 may be formed of one or more rigidmaterials such as, but not limited to, plastics and may be injectionmoulded.

The said cover 12, 28 in the closed position may at least partiallyincline towards the optical communication path 10 so that the outersurface 14 of the inclined portion blocks the movement of unwantedmaterial towards the optical component 4 along the optical communicationpath 10. Preferably the cover 12, 28 inclines forwardly.

The cover 12, 28 may form part of a component that also includes one ormore further portions that act to anchor or attach the cover 12, 28 tothe connector 2 or to another component housed about or within theconnector 2. The cover 12, 28 may move from the closed to open positionabout a pivot in between the anchoring portion and the cover 12, 28.Such a pivot may be a fold line along a sheet, a hinge, or any othersuitable pivot.

The anchoring portion may comprise features operative to secure at leastthe anchoring portion in a fixed position about the connector 2, forexample, any of: lugs, flanges, protrusions that fit into correspondingrecesses or cavities in other connector components, screws fittings, orany other suitable fastening means.

The anchoring portion may further comprise cut outs or slots that fit orsnap fit onto features of another connector component. For example, thecomponent (for example the top wall of a front engaging component 48 ofa plug 3) anchoring the anchoring portion may comprise an upstandingbutton, under which a slot of the anchoring portion may engage. Thecomponent anchoring the anchoring portion may further comprise a shallowdepression shaped to accommodate and fit flush with the anchoringportion such that when the anchoring portion resides in the shallowdepression it is prevented from moving laterally. If the componentanchoring the anchoring portion also comprises a button or othervertically securing feature, the anchoring portion and hence cover 12,28, is fully secured in all degrees of freedom so that the cover 12, 28can only move between its open, closed or possibly other intermediate orfurther position as described herein.

The cover 12, 28 and/or anchoring portion may also be secured onto othercomponents of the connector 2 using any other suitable externalanchoring means such as one or more retaining clips 122.

The connector 2 may comprise a plurality of covers wherein each cover12, 28 is configured to move from a respective closed position to anopen position so that the combined opening action 22 of the coverscauses the expansion of an opening 24, 26 through which the opticalcomponent 4 can communicate and/or receive external components such aportion of a complementary connector 2 and/or an optical component 4housed by the complementary connector 2. The opening 24, 26 may also besized to accommodate a further component on the same connector 2. Thecovers may have mouth portions 124 which converge upon closing tosubstantially close the opening 24, 26.

The mouth portions 124 may comprise one or more edges that form at leastpart of the perimeter of the opening 24, 26 and act to close the opening24, 26 when the edge from one cover 12, 28 converges with the edge ofanother cover 12, 28. The edge may be a protruding flange ending withthe edge, or formed by an outermost apex of a folded end portion of thecover 12, 28.

Preferably, the connector 2 comprises two covers 12, 28 each configuredto move from a closed position to an open position. Preferably the twocovers 12, 28 are configured to open away from each other insubstantially opposing motions. These opposing motions may includemoving at least partially in opposing directions from each other, tocreate an opening 24, 26 through which the optical component 4 of theconnector 2 may optically communicate. Preferably the covers 12, 28 opensubstantially outwardly and perpendicularly from the axis of connectorengagement 8 and/or the optical communication path 10 of the connector2.

As the covers 12, 28 move from an open position to the closed position,one or more mouth portions of one cover 12, 28 may tend toward one ormore mouth portions of the other cover 12, 28 such that the opening (24,26) becomes increasingly smaller until both covers reside in the closedposition where the said portions or part of each cover 12, 28 may meetto close the opening (24, 26) or substantially come into close proximityto each other. The closed position may be the position at which themouth portions of the opposing covers 12, 28 are in closest proximity toeach other.

Any cover 12, 28 may be formed from one or more materials that areresiliently biased against the opening (24, 26) motion, such that anexternal force is required to open the cover 12, 28 from a nominalclosed position and when the force is removed, the cover 12, 28 revertsback to the closed position. The cover 12, 28 may be formed of a sheetmaterial such as a metal.

Any cover 12, 28 may comprise one or more lips 30 on the forwardlyterminating portion of the cover 12, 28. Such lips 30 are operative toallow an external device moving towards the connector 2 against theconnector's direction of connector coupling, to physically contact andpush against the lips 30 causing the cover 12, 28 to open. The lips 30are preferably disposed upon or adjacent to the mouth portion of thecover 12, 28 and inclined forwardly towards the direction of connectorcoupling such that when the external component contacts and pushes uponthe opening lips 30, the inclination of the lips 30 and the forwardforce of the external pushing component cause the lips 30 to raisetowards the open position as the external component moves forward intoor towards the connector 2. Preferably the lips 30 are formed from aback-folded portion of the cover 12, 28 where the outermost apex of thefold forms the mouth edge. The connector 2 may comprise two covers 12,28, each with a lip that folds outwardly away from the other lip so thatan external component inserted in between the lips 30 forces each cover12, 28 open.

Alternatively or additionally, the cover 12, 28 may be caused to raiseto the open position by another component from behind the cover 12, 28that is moving outwardly from the connector 2 in the direction ofconnector engagement 6. As the component moves outwardly from theconnector 2 it contacts an inside surface 18 of the cover 12, 28, urgingthe cover 12, 28 towards the open position. Preferably, for this methodof cover 12, 28 opening, the cover 12, 28 comprises a portion eithercomprising an inclination towards the direction of connector engagement6 or perpendicular to such a direction such that the pushing componentis provided with an inner surface 18 to contact and push against.

Shield

The connector 2 may have one or more shields 20, 38 moveable between arespective first position and a second position, whereby at least oneshield 20 in its first position, is configured to be disposed in thepath of optical communication 10. The first position may be a closedposition whilst the second position may be an open position. The shield20, 38 may be moved from and to other positions.

The shield 20, 38, in its first position, may be configured to bedisposed between the optical component 4 and a cover 12, 28 when thecover 12, 28 is in the first position. The shield 20, 38 may beconfigured to be mechanically urged from its first position towards itssecond position as the optical connector 2 and complementary connector 2are urged into coupling engagement. The shield 20, 38 may be configuredto move from its first position towards its second position after acover 12, 28 moves from its first position towards its second position,as the optical connector 2 and complementary connector 2 are urged intocoupling engagement.

The shield 20, 38 may comprise a first shield portion 32 comprising anouter shield surface 36. The first shield portion 32 may be configuredin the first position: to reside at least partially in-front of thefirst optical component 4 along a direction parallel to the direction ofconnector engagement 6, and to provide at least a component of the outershield surface normal 16 that is parallel to the direction of connectorengagement 6. The shield 20, 38 may comprise a second shield portion 34configured in the first position to be disposed in the path of opticalcommunication 10. The second shield portion 34 may be folded back fromthe first shield portion 32. The second shield portion 34 may be foldedback substantially towards the first optical component 4. The secondshield portion 34 may therefore be simply pushed outwardly as anexternal component enters the connector 2 and moves toward the opticalcomponent 4.

A connector 2 may further comprise a second shield 38 configured to movefrom a respective first position to a second position, whereby thesecond shield 38, in its first position, may be configured to contactand support the second shield portion 34 of the first shield 20 in itsfirst position. The second shield 38 may have a first shield portion 32and second shield portion 34 similar to that of the first shield 20whereby the second shield portion 34 is folded back from the firstshield portion 32. The terminal end of the second shield portion 34 ofthe second shield 38 may be configured in the second shield's firstposition to contact or substantially reside proximal to an outer facingsurface of the second portion of the first shield 20.

Any shield 20, 38 may be formed from one or more materials that areresiliently biased against the opening motion, such that an externalforce is required to open the shield 20, 38 from a nominal closedposition and when the forced is removed, the shield 20, 38 reverts backto the closed position. The shield 20, 38 may be formed of a sheetmaterial such as a metal.

Any shield 20, 38 may form part of a component that also includes one ormore further portions that act to anchor or attach the shield 20, 38 tothe connector 2 or to another component housed about or within theconnector 2. The shield 20, 38 may move from the closed to open positionabout a pivot in between the anchoring portion and the cover 12, 28.Such a pivot may be a fold line along a sheet, a hinge, or any othersuitable pivot.

The shield anchoring portion may comprise features operative to secureat least the anchoring portion in a fixed position about the connector2, for example, any of: lugs, flanges, protrusions that fit into anycorresponding recesses or cavities in other connector components, screwsfittings, or any other suitable fastening means. Any suitable means usedto attach the anchoring portion of one or more covers as describedherein may also be used equivalently to anchor one or more shields 20,38. The shield 20, 38 and/or anchoring portion may also be secured ontoother components of the connector 2 using any other suitable externalanchoring means such as one or more retaining clips 122.

Housing

The connector 2 may have one or more housings 64, 65. The housingpreferably accommodates at least an optical component 4. The housing 64,65 preferably accommodates further connector components as describedherein such as one or more covers 12, 28. The housing 64, 65 may resideadjacent to at least a portion of the optical component 4 and compriseat least one surface surrounding and being adjacent to a correspondingsurface of the optical component 4. Preferably the housing 64, 65comprises any one or more of: a side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, aback wall. Preferably, the housing 64, 65 comprises a top wall, a bottomwall and two side walls. The housing 64, 65 preferably comprises a frontopening through which the optical component 4 may optically communicatewith an external optical component 4. The front opening may further besized to accommodate at least a front portion of a complementary opticalconnector 2. The connector 2 may be configured such that at least aportion of the outer surface 14 of a connector cover 12, 28, when in aclosed position, at least partially obscures this opening 26. Preferablythe cover 12, 28 fully obscures the opening when in the closed position.

The housing 64, 65 may comprise a portion that overhangs the cover 12,28 and/or optical component 4 and/or other components as describedherein such as a front engaging component 48. Preferably the overhanginghousing portion overhangs both the optical component 4 and the cover 12,28 when in closed position. Preferably the overhanging portion is alateral extension of the top, bottom and side walls of the housing 64,65, ending in an opening (24, 26) though which the optical component 4may optically communicate.

The housing 64, 65 may have one or more internal guide surfaces disposedupon one or more internal side walls of the housing 64, 65. These mayform part of a funnelling alignment component 116 and/or receivingalignment component 50 of a receptacle 5. Any of the said internal guidesurfaces may run longitudinally along the length of the housing 64, 65,for example running at least partially between the front to the back ofthe connector 2, which may be parallel with the direction of connectorengagement 6. Any of the guide surfaces may face either substantiallyupwardly or downwardly such that the surfaces are horizontal in planeand face substantially perpendicularly from the direction of connectorengagement 6. Any of the guide surfaces on a said internal side wall maybe formed by a depression in the wall or from one or more inwardlyextending protrusions extending inwardly into the connector 2 from thewall, that form one or more ledges. Preferably the guide surfaces areused to guide the horizontal movement of one or more internalcomponents, such as a front engaging component 48 and/or an opticalmount 90, along and directly away from the direction of connectorengagement 6. The connector 2 may be configured such that the saidinternal components comprise one or more side portions (such as a sideflange) that sit upon, or otherwise contact, at least one of the saidguide surfaces allowing the said component to telescopically slide backand forth within the connector 2 along the axis of connector engagement8. The housing 64, 65 may have at least one side wall comprising twoguide surfaces oppositely facing one another, thus providing a top andbottom guide surface for an internal component wherein the portion ofthe internal component guided by the surfaces may contact at least one,preferably two, of the said guide surfaces, vertically confining theinternal component within the connector 2. Preferably, the opposing sidewall comprises a similar set of two opposing guide surfaces.

Any one or more internal side walls of the housing 64, 65 may furthercomprise one or more horizontal stopping surfaces formed from adepression or a protrusion as similarly discussed above for the guidesurfaces. Any of the said surfaces may be configured to act as aphysical stop or barrier that at least a portion of an internalcomponent may come into contact with as it slides along the axis ofoptical connector engagement. Any of the stops may be formed from thesame depression or protrusion used to form any of the guide surfaces onthe same internal sidewall. Any of the sidewalls may comprise one ormore stops configured to stop a component sliding forwardly in and/orbackwardly from the direction of connector engagement 6.

Alignment Flanges

The housing 64, 65 of the plug 3 and/or the receptacle 5 (or any otherconnector 2 described herein) may further comprise one or more alignmentflanges 70. An example of an alignment flange 70 is shown in FIGS. 1 a-1d, 1 f and 2 a-2 b. The alignment flanges 70 may protrude outwardly froman outer peripheral wall of the housing 64, 65. Preferably the saidflanges protrude from one or more side walls of the housing 64, 65. Anyof the said outer walls having one or more alignment flanges 70 maycomprise a plurality of alignment flanges 70 arranged to accommodate andsupport one or more housing alignment springs 72. The alignment spring/sare resiliently biased and are configured together with the alignmentflange/s to removably secure the housing 64, 65, hence connector 2, to amounting platform or board such as a PCB 200. The alignment springs 72may be formed integrally with or separately to the housing 64, 65.Preferably the alignment springs 72 are formed from one or more sheetmaterials such as sheet metal that may be cut and/or folded to createthe desired features as described below.

The alignment flanges 70 may be arranged such that one or more flanges70 on the same wall are spaced apart from one or more other flanges 70along the height dimension of the wall, wherein the height is thedimension of the wall extending peripherally around the connector crosssection, and extending substantially perpendicular to the direction ofconnector engagement 6. For example, the height dimension of a sidewallis the length of that sidewall that runs the shortest distance betweenthe adjoining top and bottom walls of the housing 64, 65. Any alignmentflange 70 may comprise at least one surface substantially facing anopposing surface on another spaced apart flange 70. The alignment spring72 may be configured to reside between, and optionally removably securedto, at least one or more of each of the said opposing spaced apartalignment flanges 70. The space in between the opposing spaced apartflanges 70 is preferably sized to accommodate both the said alignmentspring 72 and a portion of the mounting platform 200.

The opposing alignment flanges 70 on the same wall may comprise aplurality of alignment flanges 70 spaced apart from a further pluralityof alignment flanges 70 such that each said plurality forms an alignmentflange set as exemplified in FIGS. 1 f and 2 a where a first pluralityof alignment flanges 70 (shown as three flanges 70 in the said figures)are spaced apart vertically from a plurality of further alignmentflanges 70. The alignment flanges 70 of any one or more sets maycommonly protrude outwardly from the wall substantially at the sameheight level, wherein each flange 70 of the same set is longitudinallyspaced apart from an adjacent flange 70 preferably in a directionsubstantially parallel to the axis of connector engagement 8. Preferablyall the flanges 70 of each set are arranged to be spaced apart along thesame height level. Preferably, opposing flanges 70 are symmetricallylocated each side of a symmetry line running along the length of theconnector 2 parallel to the direction of connector engagement 6.Preferably the said symmetry line is mid-way along the height of thewall.

Preferably each set of flanges comprises at least three flanges 70, acentral flange and two end flanges disposed on opposite sides of thecentral flange. Any one or more of the flanges 70, preferably theopposing end flanges, may comprise an indented surface portion 86configured to receive a tab 82 of an alignment spring 72 to secure thealignment spring 72 to the flanges 70. Preferably, the surfacecomprising the indented portion 86 comprises a surface extendingdirectly outward from the wall, inclined towards or perpendicular to theaxis of connector engagement 8. Preferably the indented portion 86 ofthe surface is bordered by a non-indented portion of the same surface ina direction outwardly away from the associated wall such that the saidtab 82 is configured to at least partially reside within the indent 86,prevent the spring 72 from outwardly disengaging from the flanges 70.Preferably the said tab 82 is resiliently biased to lock into the indent86.

Any one or more of the alignment flanges 70 may comprise a taperedsurface inclined towards the said symmetry line such that when thehousing 64, 65 is slotted onto a mounting board, an engaging edge 71 ofthe board 200 engaging with the alignment spring 72 is funnelled inbetween the opposing alignment flanges 70. Preferably the taperedsurfaces are the outermost surfaces of the flange set in the directionof connector engagement 6 and preferably reside on at least one,preferably both of the end alignment flanges 70 of at least one,preferably both alignment flange sets.

Any one or more walls of the housing 64, 65 comprising the one or morealignment flanges 70 may further comprise a depression 88 or holeconfigured to accommodate a further tab 84 of an alignment spring 72.The hole may be formed through the wall and may further be shaped in theform of a slot running along the height of the wall.

The alignment spring 72 may comprise a first spring portion 74comprising at least one tab. The first spring portion 74 is preferablyconfigured to engage with one flange 70 or a set of alignment flanges 70using one or more tabs, and run longitudinally along at least part ofthe length of the housing 64, 65. The first spring portion 74 maycomprise a longitudinal sheet or strip comprising a plurality ofsurfaces adjoined by fold lines running substantially perpendicular tothe length of the strip, wherein preferably the strip is configured suchthat the said surfaces substantially face in a direction substantiallyparallel to the height dimension of the wall. Each surface along thestrip is configured to be resiliently biased at a different angle abouta connecting fold line to an adjacent surface bordering the said foldline. Preferably, at least two adjacent surfaces along the strip arefolded about a fold line such that when the alignment spring is engagedwith the alignment flanges 70, the adjacent surfaces and fold line forman apex 80 protruding from the flanges towards the symmetry line,preferably in a direction substantially parallel to the height dimensionof the adjacent housing wall. The first spring portion 74 may comprisetwo such apexes, each disposed adjacent to an end flange. Any apex 80may comprise a plurality of fold lines located at the apex 80 with oneor more additional surfaces spanning between said apex fold lines suchthat the apex 80 comprises a substantially flattened top.

The alignment spring may comprise a second spring portion 76substantially similar to the first spring portion 74 wherein the secondspring portion 76 is configured to engage with an opposing spaced apartflange or opposing spaced apart flange set. Preferably the second springportion 76 comprises surfaces and fold lines substantially identical tobut symmetrically opposite to the first spring portion 74 as exemplifiedin FIG. 2 a. The first and second spring portions are preferably coupledtogether with one or more third spring portions 78. The third springportion 78 preferably comprises one or more surfaces comprising a planesubstantially parallel to the major plane of the adjacent housing wall.Preferably the third spring portion 78 comprises a sheet wherein onesheet surface substantially faces the said adjacent housing wall and anopposing sheet surface substantially faces directly away from the saidwall. Preferably the third spring portion 78 adjoins and resides betweenthe first and second spring portions 74, 76 such that when the alignmentspring 72 is engaged with the alignment flanges 70 and/or adjacenthousing wall, the alignment spring 72 is located substantially inbetween two spaced apart alignment flanges 70 or two sets of opposingalignment flanges 70 with the third spring portion 78 contacting orbeing proximally adjacent to the housing wall, and the first and secondspring portions 74, 76 extend outwardly away from the third springportion 78 and the said wall. In the case where the first and secondportions 74, 76 are strips, the narrow dimension of the strip extendsoutwardly from the associated wall and third spring portion 78 whilstthe long dimension of the strip runs substantially parallel along thewall, preferably substantially parallel to the axis of connectorengagement 8.

In any of the examples of the alignment flanges 70 and/or alignmentspring 72 there may be an alignment spring 72 comprising a first springportion 74 with different surfaces and fold lines to the second springportion 76. Furthermore, any connector 2 may comprise a single alignmentflange 70 spaced apart from an opposing flange set.

Preferably the third spring portion 78 comprises one or more surfaces,fold lines, and apexes substantially as described for the first andsecond spring portions 74, 76, except that the apexes on the thirdspring portion 78 point substantially away from the adjacent side wall.Preferably the third spring portion 78 comprises a further tab 84 forengaging or inserting into a depression 88 or hole on or within theadjacent wall of the housing 64, 65. This further tab 84 may be asurface portion of the third spring portion 78. Preferably the saidfurther tab 84 comprises a surface forming part of an apex 80.Preferably the third portion 78 is a strip comprising an substantiallyat the ends of the strip wherein one or preferably both endmost surfacesof the strips are further tabs that are inwardly turned to at leastpartially slot into depressions or holes in the housing wall.

The tabs of any of the first and/or second spring portions 74, 76together with any further tabs of a third spring portion 78 areconfigured to cooperatively secure the alignment spring 72 to theadjacent housing wall and alignment flanges 70.

The alignment springs 72 are preferably configured so that each apex 80is resiliently deformable from an initial raised position to a secondposition (preferably a substantially flattened position), wherein theapex 80 is biased to reside in the raised position.

Preferably the connector 2 comprises a further housing wall comprisingany of the alignment flanges 70 and/or alignment springs 72 as describedabove. Preferably, this further housing wall is an opposing wall to theabove described first wall, for example the two walls form the sidewalls of the housing 64, 65 or the top and bottom walls of the housing64, 65. Preferably the walls are two side walls of the housing 64, 65.Preferably, the alignment flanges 70 and/or springs 72 associated witheach said wall are configured to engage a corresponding engaging edge 71of the mounting platform 200 at an identical or substantially similarheight about each wall. This allows the connector 2 to be engaged to theboard 200 in a substantially level manner, preferably parallel to themajor plane of the board 200. Preferably the mounting platform 200comprises two opposite and substantially parallel engaging edges 71located about a common plane wherein the connector 2 is configured toallow each platform edge 71 to slide between two sets of alignmentflanges 70, and between first and second alignment spring portions asshown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b.

Preferably the two engaging edges 71 form two edges of a slot extendingsubstantially perpendicularly inward from a mounting board side engagingedge 71. The slot comprises a width sized at least to accommodate atleast one dimension of the connector 2, for example the connector width.Preferably, any one or more of the engaging edges 61 comprises one ormore engaging protrusions 73 laterally extending towards the opposingengaging edge 71 and configured to contact and depress one or moreapexes on an alignment spring 72 as the connector 2 is slid at leastpartially into the mounting board slot. As shown in FIG. 13 a,preferably both the engaging edges 71 comprise engaging protrusions 73.Preferably one or each of the engaging protrusions 73 comprises a fronttapered edge that allows the alignment spring 72 to ride up and over theprotrusion 73, and a back edge extending perpendicularly from the slotengaging edge 71.

Correspondingly, the said apexes of the alignment springs 72 arepreferably configured to deform from the biased position to the secondposition as the engaging edge protrusions 73 pass over or through thealignment springs 72. Once the protrusion 73 has passed over the saidapex 80, the apex 80 returns to the biased position thus securing theconnector 2 to the housing 64, 65. The mounting platform 200 may furthercomprise one or more raised engaging protrusions (not shown in thefigures) extending substantially perpendicularly outward (i.e. upwardlyor downwardly) from the plane of the mounting board and adjacent and/orproximal to the engaging edge 71. When the connector 2 is slid into theslot, any one or more of the apexes of the first and/or second springportions 74, 76 of an engaging alignment spring 72 contacts the raisedengaging portion, depresses into the second position and then reformsinto the biased pointed apex position as the raised portions passes overthe apex 80.

Any of the spring portions 74, 76, 78 of any of the alignment springs 72may comprise an apex 80 substantially at both the opposing long ends ofthe spring portion 74, 76, 78 such that an engaging protrusion 73 of theboard is effectively locked between the two apexes when the connector 2is mounted in between the two engaging edges 71 of the mounting board200.

Preferably the two apexes on a first and/or second spring section 74, 76are spaced apart substantially in the direction of connector engagement6 such that the connector 2, when engaged with the mounting platform200, may have a degree of freedom in moving about the platform at leastalong the direction parallel to the direction between the two saidapexes. This advantage is brought about by having the mounting platformslot width sized to allow the connector 2 to move in these degrees offreedom. It is envisaged that such advantages may also be obtained whenonly one apex 80 is used on a spring portion to secure the connector 2to the mounting platform.

Preferably two opposing housing walls comprise alignment flanges 70 andalignment springs 72, each spring comprising three portions, each havingtwo opposing end apexes. In this configuration the connector 2 may moveabout the mounting board in multiple degrees of freedom includingforward (towards the side edge of the mounting board), backward, up anddown (moving out of the plane of the mounting board), left and right(laterally in the plane of the mounting board), pitch, yaw and roll. Itis envisaged that other examples of the said connector 2 with differentcombinations of flanges, alignment springs 72 and spring portions andapexes may also give rise, where technically viable, to any one or moreof the above degrees of freedom. A connector 2 with one or more of thesaid degrees of freedom may therefore be simply slid and secured to theplatform and, whilst secured, allowed to move to accommodate differentaxes of connector engagement and/or final connector engagementpositions.

Alignment Component

The connector 2 may further comprise one or more alignment components50, 51, 116 wherein each alignment component 50, 51, 116 comprises oneor more guide surfaces or other features that function to mechanicallyalign the connector 2 and/or optical component 4 into connectingengagement with a complementary connector 2 and/or complementary opticalcomponent 4 by physically contacting one or more complementary guidefeatures upon the complementary connector 2. Any of the alignmentcomponents 50, 51, 116 may be separate components to other components ofthe connector 2 or may be integrally formed with any other component ofthe connector 2. Any of the alignment components 50, 51, 116 maycomprise one or more features that align the connectors 2 in any one ormore planes transverse to the direction of connector coupling, forexample an alignment component 50, 51, 116 could provide featuresconfigured to vertically align and/or horizontally align the connector 2and or optical component 4.

Any of the alignment components 50, 51, 116 may comprise one or moreguide surfaces having a plane orientated substantially perpendicular toa plane of intended alignment, for example a plane substantiallyparallel to the major plane of the mounting platform 200. The surfacesmay be elongated along the length of the connector 2 (i.e. substantiallyfrom the front to the back of the connector 2). The alignment component50, 51, 116 may comprise at least one or more sets of one or more suchsurfaces arranged sequentially along a plane of intended alignmentand/or substantially parallel to the direction of connector engagement6. A set of guiding surfaces may comprise two or more guide surfaceswherein at least one guide surface substantially faces in an opposingdirection to another guide surface in the same set, such that the saidguide surface set is configured to align and guide the connector 2and/or optical component 4 in both directions in the plane of intendedalignment. For example, for vertical alignment, one guide surface of theset faces substantially upwards, the other surface faces substantiallydownwards.

The guide surfaces may form a tapered guiding arrangement substantiallynarrowing or widening along the direction of connector engagement 6 asthe guiding surfaces in the same set tend towards the front of theconnector 2. Preferably, the guide surfaces in a forward narrowingtapering set comprise a bottom surface facing downwards and an uppersurface facing upwards. Correspondingly a backwards narrowing taperingset preferably comprises a bottom guide surface facing upwards and anupper guide surface facing downwards. The alignment component 50, 51,116 may comprise a plurality of guide surfaces configured to guideconnector engagement in a plurality of alignment planes. For example,the alignment component 50, 51, 116 may comprise one or more guidesurfaces or guide surface sets suitable for guiding in one alignmentplane and a further one or more guide surfaces or guide surface setssuitable for guiding in another alignment plane. The different intendedalignment planes of the alignment component 50 may be orthogonal to eachother, for example the same alignment component 50, 51, 116 may compriseone or more guide surfaces configured to align and guide in the verticaland horizontal planes. Furthermore the alignment component 50, 51, 116may guide in both directions in any one of its alignment planes, forexample an alignment component 50, 51, 116 may comprise a set of guidesurfaces configured to align both directions in the vertical plane and asingle guide surface configured to align in a single direction in thehorizontal plane.

The alignment component 50, 51, 116 may comprise any one of its guidesurfaces on one or more physical features or components. For example,the alignment component 50, 51, 116 may comprise a dedicated singletaper block or raised feature integrally formed upon another component,comprising one or more vertical walls acting as horizontal guidesurfaces and two horizontal walls tapering to provide vertical guidesurfaces.

The connector 2 may comprise a plurality of alignment components 50, 51,116 that form an alignment component system that guides in one or moredirections in one or more alignment planes by combining the respectiveguide surface alignment directions on each component. The alignmentcomponents 50, 51, 116 may be disposed about the connector 2 in a fixedrelationship.

Front Engaging Component

The connector 2 may further comprise a front engaging component 48operative to provide any of: a mounting platform for one or more covers12, 28 and/or shields 20, 38 and/or an alignment component 50, 51, 116and/or a mounting platform for the optical component 4; and/or a recessor other fixture or fitting for anchoring one or more covers and/orshields 20, 38; and/or one or more features for contacting and pushingapart one or more covers of a complementary connector 2. An example of afront engaging component 48 is shown in FIGS. 2 b, 3 a and 3 b.

The front engaging component 48 may be moveable relative to theconnector 2 and/or a housing 64, 65. Preferably the front engagingcomponent 48 is moveable parallel to the direction of connectorengagement 6 whereby the front engaging component 48 is configured toslide in at least one degree of freedom along the length of the housing64, 65 or connector 2 (i.e. sliding towards the front end and retractingtowards the back end). Preferably the front engaging component 48 isrestricted to move only in this degree of freedom.

The front engaging component 48 preferably comprises at least a topsection, two opposing side sections and a bottom section such that thesaid sections create a through channel from the front to the back of thefront engaging component 48. The said side sections each preferablycomprise an alignment component 50, 51, as described herein. Preferably,each alignment component 51 comprises two tapered surfaces for verticalalignment and one surface for horizontal alignment as shown, forexample, in FIGS. 3 a and 5 b.

The front engaging component 48 preferably comprises mountingfeatures/anchoring features for two vertically opening opposing coverslaterally bordered by two alignment components 51.

The connector 2 may comprises a housing 64 with an overhanging portionthat overhangs the front end portion at least when the front engagingcomponent 48 is fully retracted into the housing 64.

Alternatively the cover 12, 28 may be mounted upon the housing 64, 65.

Optical Mount

The connector 2 may comprise one or more optical mounts 90 comprisingone or more mounting sections configured to mount or hold the opticalcomponent 4. The mounting section may comprise any of: a platform, oneor more resiliently biased grips 92 operative to snap fit to the opticalcomponent 4, or any other suitable grip or mechanism to secure theoptical component 4 to the optical mount 90. Preferably the mountcomprises two opposing grips 92 each having terminal inwardly extendinghooks 94.

FIGS. 3 c and 3 d show an optical mount 90 of a connector 2 as describedherein, for example a plug connector 2 wherein an optical MT ferrule isslotted into forwardly extending grips 92. In principle the opticalcomponent 4 may be any suitable optical component 4 and the opticalmount 90 may rigidly secure the optical component 4 be any suitablemeans such as a friction fit and/or use of an adhesive material.

For a connector 2 as described herein that comprises a front engagingcomponent 48 and an optical mount 90 behind the front engaging component48, the front engaging component 48 may be termed a first connectorcomponent and the optical mount 90 may be termed a second connectorcomponent. Preferably the optical mount 90 is configured to move aboutthe connector 2 in one or more degrees of freedom substantially asdescribed for the front engaging component 48.

The optical mount 90 may be resiliently biased against the frontengaging component 48 via one or more biasing components 58, such as butnot limited to a spring. The biasing component is configured to push theoptical mount 90 apart from the front engaging component 48 in thedirection of connector engagement 6. Any biasing component 58 may beformed integrally with any of the front engaging component 48 or opticalmount 90, or may be a separate component.

Preferably the front engaging component 48 is located in front of theoptical mount 90 along the direction of connector engagement 6.Preferably the mounting section of the optical mount 90 extendslaterally forward from the optical mount 90 towards the direction ofconnector coupling 6 and/or optical communication 10 and is configured,in use, to be able to protrude (together with the optical component 4)at least partially into and/or through and/or past the front engagingcomponent 48. This may be, for example, into a channel formed by sidesections and top and bottom sections of a front engaging component 48.

The optical mount 90 may further comprise one or more flanges 96extending proud of the mounting section, perpendicular to the directionof connector engagement 6. The flanges comprise one or more portions forcontacting one or more biasing components 58, wherein the portions maycomprise a feature for securing the biasing component such as: a surfacerecess 56 which the biasing component protrudes into. Preferably theflanges 96 extend laterally proud of the mounting section such that whenthe optical mount 90 is located behind the front engaging component 48,one or more biasing components 58 may reside in between, and beengagable with, the said flanges and each of the side sections of thefront engaging component 48.

Back End Component

The connector 2 may comprise one or more back end components 60. Theback end component 60 may act as a biasing reference portion, that whenassembled onto or in the connector 2 forms a fixed rigid relationshipwith the connector 2. The back end component 60 is configured to connectto the back end of a connector housing 64, 65. The back end component 60may comprise one or more features operative to securely snap fit theback end component 60 to the housing 64, 65 by comprising one or moreforwardly extending lugs 62 extending from a back section 66. The backsection 66 may comprise a panel. The lugs 62 may terminate at a distalend from the back section 66 with an outwardly extending hook operativeto engage a complementary recess or protrusion upon the housing 64, 65.The lugs 62 and/or back end portion may be formed of a substantiallyrigid material that has a degree of resilient deformity to allow thelugs 62 to form snap fits. One or more lugs 62 may also be operative toprovide a longitudinal sliding platform for an optical mount 90 to slideupon.

The back section of the back end component 60 preferably comprises aportion operative to engage with one or more biasing components 58 thatresiliently biases an optical mount 90 away from the back section in thedirection of connector engagement 6. This portion may be a recess ordepression 56 that is configured to house at least a portion of saidbiasing component 58, or any other suitable means to either locate orcouple said biasing component 58 against the back end component 60. Theback end component 60 may comprise one or more forward facing houseengaging surfaces configured to contact a back facing portion of thehousing 64, 65, and together with a hook ended lug, act in combinationto releasably secure the back end component 60 to the housing 64, 65.Preferably the back section comprises a rectangular profile facing thedirection of connector engagement 6. Preferably four snap fitting lugs62 are provided. The back sections preferably comprise a panel. The backsection may comprise one or more cut-outs or through holes via whichobjects may pass into or out of the connector 2 such as fibres leadingto the optical component 4.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particularreference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciatedthat variations and modifications may be made to the examples describedwithin the scope of the present invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An optical connector, suitable for couplingwith a complementary connector along a direction of connector engagementand supporting a first optical component; the connector comprising afirst cover comprising an outer surface, the first cover configured tohave a first position and a second position, the first and secondpositions being end positions, the first position of the first coverresiding at least partially in-front of the first optical componentalong a direction parallel to the direction of connector engagement; andproviding at least a component of the outer surface normal, that isparallel to the direction of the connector engagement; the secondposition of the first cover residing at least partially in-front of thefirst optical component along the direction parallel to the direction ofconnector engagement; and the first cover being movable to the secondposition, and the outer surface of the first cover continually facesaway from the first optical component upon movement between the firstand second positions.
 2. An optical connector as claimed in claim 1wherein the first cover further comprises an inner surface and the firstcover, in the first position, provides that: the outer surface at leastpartially faces towards the direction of connector engagement; and theinner surface at least partially faces the first optical component. 3.An optical connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first cover atleast partially obscures the first optical component along the directionof connector engagement when in the first position.
 4. An opticalconnector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second position of the firstcover creates an opening sized to accommodate at least the first opticalcomponent.
 5. An optical connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein thesecond position of the first cover creates an opening sized toaccommodate at least part of the complementary optical connector.
 6. Anoptical connector as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a secondcover, the second cover configured to be moveable between a first andsecond position, wherein each of the first and second covers areconfigured to be urged substantially apart from the other cover as eachcover is mechanically urged from its respective first position to secondposition.
 7. An optical connector as claimed in claim 6 wherein thefirst and second covers are together configured in their respectivesecond positions to create an opening sized to accommodate at least thefirst optical component.
 8. An optical connector as claimed in claim 6wherein the first and second covers are together configured in theirrespective second positions to create an opening sized to accommodate atleast part of the complementary optical connector.
 9. An opticalconnector as claimed in claim 6 wherein each cover substantiallyconverges towards the other cover, and each of the first and secondcovers further comprise forwardly terminating lips that are outwardlyturned away from the other cover.
 10. An optical connector as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the optical connector is configured to move the firstoptical component to contact and urge the first cover from a respectivefirst position to a second position as the first and second opticalconnectors are urged into mechanical engagement.
 11. An opticalconnector suitable for coupling with a complementary connector along adirection of connector engagement; and supporting a first opticalcomponent; the connector comprising: an optical communication pathtowards the complementary connector; a first cover comprising an outersurface, wherein the first cover is moveable between a first positionand a second position, the first and second positions being endpositions, the first position of the first cover residing at leastpartially in-front of the first optical component along a directionparallel to the direction of connector engagement; and providing atleast a component of the outer surface normal, that is parallel to thedirection of connector engagement; the second position of the firstcover residing at least partially in-front of the first opticalcomponent along the direction parallel to the direction of connectorengagement; and a first shield moveable between a first position and asecond position, the first position of the first shield is configured tobe disposed in the optical communication path.
 12. An optical connectoras claimed in claim 11 wherein in the first position, the first shieldis configured to be disposed between the first optical component and thefirst cover when the first cover is in the first position.
 13. Anoptical connector as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first cover andfirst shield are configured to be mechanically urged from theirrespective first positions towards their respective second positions asthe optical connector and complementary connector are urged intocoupling engagement.
 14. An optical connector as claimed in claim 13wherein the first shield is configured to move from its first positiontowards its second position after the first cover moves from its firstposition towards its second position, as the optical connector andcomplementary connector are urged into coupling engagement.
 15. Anoptical connector as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first shieldcomprises: a first shield portion comprising an outer shield surface,wherein the first shield portion, when the first shield is configured inthe first position resides at least partially in front of the firstoptical component along a direction parallel to the direction ofconnector engagement; and provides at least a component of the outershield surface normal, that is parallel to the direction of connectorengagement; and a second shield portion, wherein the second shieldportion, when the first shield is configured in the first position isdisposed in the optical communication path.